Building 41

Office building

Built in about 1897, national monument

Past
This building in the neo-renaissance style is one of the oldest buildings on the site. This was the office building for the munitions factory, in other words the offices of the officers employed at the projectiles factory. The projectiles factory was made up of various departments where projectiles were cast and turned. In another, screened-off area the grenades and cartridges were filled and assembled, which was dangerous work. The office building also housed a chemical laboratory. Two officers and their families also lived there. Changes have been made to the windows, doors and roof covering over the years. The ground floor was later set up as a showroom and visitor refreshment area, whilst the canteen and recreation room were located on the first floor. Here, the staff association arranged celebrations and parties, plays and films were shown, and people gathered to enjoy the music of the company band. Many employees also celebrated their work anniversaries here.

Due to the military nature of the site and factory, a rigid hierarchy dominated for many years. Workers (civilian staff) and officers (military personnel) each had their own entrance and canteen. The officers’ entrance was also called the ‘dievenpoort’ (thieves’ gate). Unlike the workers, they were not checked to make sure they were not taking equipment or other items home with them. Taking items home was strictly forbidden, and was punished by instant dismissal.

A former employee recalls: ‘We had a great lunch and breaks area. As I recall, gramophone records were played. I have a recollection of waltz music. The gramophone went ‘tadada-tamtam’ and we all tapped out ‘ramram-tamtam’ with a spoon or fork in reply. When we’d finished our sandwiches, we often hung around to play cards.’

Present
Events and exhibitions venue Taets Art and Event Park is currently based here.
More information: https://www.taets.com/