Bart Nieuwenhuijs, mill restoration specialist from Westzaan, will give a lecture on the complete restoration process of Molen De Paauw in Nauerna, the only hemp pounding mill in the Netherlands, once used to beat hemp into raw material for sailcloth.

When Bart gained access to the old oil mill with blokmaalder’s house (the foreman’s residence in an oil mill) in 2008, he decided to save this unique piece of heritage from demolition. In 2011, restoration work began, commissioned by the Zaanse Pakhuizen Foundation and supported by many volunteers.

In search of historical building materials that closely resembled those of De Paauw, Molen De Haan near Abbekerk was eventually located. The entire structure was transported via the A7 highway and placed on a site next to the mill barn.

Because sailcloth weaving was a major regional industry from the 17th to the late 19th century, it was decided not to restore De Paauw to its original function as an oil mill, but to repurpose it as a hemp pounding mill. A significant challenge arose; there was no existing hemp mill in the Netherlands to serve as an example. After extensive archival research, construction and restoration could finally begin.

On September 7, 2019, De Paauw, the only hemp pounding mill in the Netherlands, was officially put into operation.

Bart Nieuwenhuijs began collecting antique items from Zaan-region windmills and houses as a child and was an active member of the model-building club at Molen Het Pink in Koog aan de Zaan. This early interest sparked his lifelong passion for windmills, Zaan timber construction, and traditional craftsmanship. After completing a carpentry program at a vocational school (LTS), Bart continued his training through the SPB apprenticeship system and worked at De Zeug, a Zaan restoration company specializing in historic wooden interiors. He later completed specialized training in restoration carpentry and a night course in construction management, and in 2002, he founded his own business.

Together with his partner Giel Peetoom, Bart now proudly runs the respected restoration company Nieuwenhuijs & Peetoom.

They also offer apprenticeships and trainee placements for young people interested in becoming future craftspeople.

Giel Peetoom also discovered the craft at a young age, joining the same model-building club at just ten years old. “Giel started as my apprentice and has now become my business partner. How beautiful is that!” Bart says proudly.

Practical Information

• The lecture is conducted in Dutch
• One-off lecture on Sunday, September 28 at 11 am.
• Free tickets for the lecture can be reserved starting September 1