In the 17th century, Kollum experienced a major economic and creative boom as a prosperous regional centre. Thanks to flourishing trade and the presence of noble families in the area, there was a high demand for luxury goods. This led to the establishment of several goldsmiths and silversmiths, and between 1642 and 1687, the town was even entitled to its own silver mark. The Kollum silversmiths were closely linked through intricate family networks and master-apprentice relationships. Author Peter de Reijke describes the lives and adventures of these founding figures.
Prominent pioneers and their migration
Many silversmiths who had their roots in Kollum sought their fortunes in other cities for economic opportunities or guild benefits:
- Frans Arians Riemersma: Born around 1595 in Kollum and presumably trained by Sake Paulus. He moved to the wealthy town of Bolsward, where he became a guild master in 1620. Riemersma was not only a skilled craftsman (known for, among other things, a drinking horn from 1625), but also an influential politician. He was mayor of Bolsward and negotiated as a representative for the construction of the Stroobossertrekvaart.
- Hillebrand Brongersma: Son of the secretary of Kollumerland. He moved to Leeuwarden, joined the guild there in 1646, and quickly made a career for himself. He became a master of the mint, a stamp engraver, and eventually the mayor of Leeuwarden.
- Bronger Brongersma: Hillebrand's brother settled in Appingedam in 1655. He may have avoided the strict Frisian guild regulations to work in the freer Groningen guild environment. He became a respected citizen and deacon in his new home.
Family relationships and the drama in Appingedam
Bronger Brongersma's migration also drew other family members to Appingedam. His sister-in-law Cornelia Pars followed him and married the local silversmith Evert Jacobs van der Gouw there. This marriage was overshadowed by Van der Gouw's tyrannical and violent behaviour, which led him to chase Bronger with a knife. After fleeing to Groningen and her husband's eventual death, Cornelia returned to Appingedam. Her son, Jacques Pars, was trained in the trade by his uncle Bronger. Jacques followed in his uncle's footsteps, became a successful silversmith, and was elected mayor of Appingedam in 1723.
Those who stayed behind and the masters in Kollum
In Kollum itself and the immediate area (such as Dokkum), the craft traditions also remained strong:
- The family of Sake Paulus: His son Jacob Sakes remained in Kollum and married Tieltje Brongersma. His brother Paulus Sakes moved to Dokkum and made the prestigious silver and gold commemorative medals for the opening of the Stroobossertrekvaart (1656). He too later became mayor.
- Pieter Douwes: A wealthy, classically trained master who worked in Kollum from 1651. He and almost his entire family tragically died during a plague epidemic in 1665–1666. His only surviving son, Hermannus Collenius, later became a highly successful painter for the Groningen elite.
- Sake Willems: Originally from Kollum, but later settled in Dokkum. Remarkably, he combined the craft of goldsmithing with a career as a soldier.
Conclusion: The history of the Kollum silversmiths shows how a close-knit regional network of craftsmen spread across Friesland and Groningen. They not only excelled in their refined craftsmanship but also consistently combined their skills with high social, financial and administrative positions.
With thanks to Peter de Reijke.
Read the full blog about the silversmiths and goldsmiths of Kollum here
