From 1818 to 1980 the Doelenkazerne was a barracks in the centre of the Dutch city of Leiden.
Already in the 17th century the Voorste- or Sint-Jorisdoelen, the training ground of the Leiden Gunnery, were located here. The buildings (shooting ranges and a clubhouse) were demolished in 1821, but the original Doelenpoort from 1645 is still present on the Groenhazengracht. The painted sandstone gate was built according to the design of the Leiden city architect Arent van 's-Gravesande and is fitted with Doric half columns and decorated with weapons and war attributes. Saint George and the dragon are depicted between two sculpted cannons. The work was carried out by the stonemasons Pieter Adriaensz. 't Hooft and Cornelis Gijsbertsz van Duynen.
On 12 January 1807, in French times, the Leiden gunpowder disaster took place. King Louis Napoleon pledged support for the reconstruction and also promised to station troops (conscripts) in the city. In 1819 the large barracks building (Arsenal) in the Doelen was repaired and reinforced, after which the building was improved in 1876. In 1860, the old building was used for alloying two squadrons of the 3rd Half Regiment Hussars.
As a child, there was already a predilection for visual art. As a technician, I was always creative in products, services and working methods. In later years, more time was taken for my art (photography) passion... Read more…