Façade van huis Ekelmans te Zaltbommel 1890 - 1920

This photograph captures the facade of the Ekelmans house in Zaltbommel, taken before its restoration by an anonymous photographer from Monumentenzorg. The image provides a glimpse into the architectural heritage and urban landscape of the Netherlands. The act of documenting this building before its restoration opens a window into the cultural values placed on preserving historical structures. Who decided that this building was important enough to document and restore? What does it mean to preserve a building, to choose one version of the past over another? The image offers an opportunity to reflect on the passage of time and the layers of history embedded within our built environment. The architecture stands as a silent witness to changing social dynamics, economic shifts, and cultural practices. The act of restoration itself is an exercise in shaping collective memory.