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Men at Work Signs found in The Netherlands

Nijmegen, xi.1998; pict. A. Anselin Germany
The modern faceless man dominates the country with the low sky. This is definitely not the best country to start with a new collection. And – you won't like this – it happens that this design is exported to other countries (like Belgium)! Tasteless that is, like their G… (cheese) and H… (beer). But we should put at least half of the blame on the receiver, I think.

Germany grows a similar sign. Take note of the small differences in the heap and the lower parts of the body.

But our spotters are restless and stubborn and sometimes they can fish a nice design out of the greyness. First we have the warning sign were a castle has been built on the heap. It is gratifying that some feel that something should be done about the dullness of this traffic sign. Passed with flying colours!

Oost-Vlieland, 14.ix.2024; pict. A. Klaver
Text says: exit for work traffic

The following finds show remarkable detail and show real people instead of the matchstick type of the most common sign.

The 1994 sign shows a real worker, weathered and strong.

The man found in 2006 has a more delicate face. He is wearing a jacket and he is not digging. He is pretending. Probably a foreman posing for the company brochure. (He reminds me of Energy Level 1 of the Belgian workforce.)

1994; pict. G. Coghe
1994; pict. G. Coghe
Nijkerk, iv.2006; pict. J. Koelstra
Giethoorn, vii.2007; pict. B. Hoeyberghs
In the find from Giethoorn we are looking at a man in his sunday's clothes. The detail is remarkable. It is probably the earliest Dutch design found yet. And the best. The artist still knew how to draw a shovel. He still made a difference between clothing and bodyparts: hands and feet with shoes are present. The knee, however, is drawn slightly too low in my opinion.

Notice also that one foot is placed higher than the other at the base of the heap. Contrary to other designs with feet (e.g. Spain, Switzerland) the forward foot is flat on the ground. Another reason to think that the man is pretending, or showing to his grandchildren what's his business on weekdays.

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More roadsigns from The Netherlands: Children's Crossing – Falling Rock Signs