Hillegonda (1989) Tonny Schellekens-Hermans

photo BKOR archive
About the artwork

Since 1989, a work of art by Tonny Schellekens - Hermans has been located in the center of Hillegersberg, representing the history of the development of this Rotterdam neighborhood. Hillegersberg is named after Hildegard of Flanders and the old village center of Hillegersberg originated on a hill; a sand ridge that, according to legend, was created because the giantess Hillegonda lost sand from her apron. That story is depicted in this work. The artwork Hillegonda was realized on the initiative of the shopkeepers of the Bergse Dorpsstraat and the foundation 'Put Hillegonda on a pedestal'. Hillegonda with her torn apron also adorns Hillegersberg's coat of arms.

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About the artist

Antonia (Tonny) Schellekens-Hermans (Helmond, 1934) was a sculptor who worked in Rotterdam. Portraits and figure representations were the main themes. She was taught by Marian Gobius and was a member of the Rotterdam Art Foundation (RKS). She lives and works in Bergschenhoek. Another work of art of hers is in the public space in Voorburg, namely Break the circle (1997)

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