The statue Loeres, a replica of the original work by Edo van Tetterode, can be found on the Boulevard Paulus Loot in Zandvoort. The original statue was originally located on Brederodestraat 77 and has a height of 2.50 meters (including pedestal). This iconic work became famous due to the April Fool’s joke of 1962, in which a colossal statue of Easter Island washed up on the Zandvoort beach. This joke, devised by van Tetterode in collaboration with the NCRV, attracted national attention and put Zandvoort on the map.
The History of Loeres
On April 1, 1962, the statue of Easter Island was found on the beach of Zandvoort, which became one of the most famous April Fools’ Day pranks in Dutch history. The statue, originally by Edo van Tetterode, was donated to the municipality after the prank. However, the donation was discussed by the city council, with only the PvdA opposing the acceptance. Finally, the statue was unveiled on June 16, 1962 by Mies Bouwman and van Tetterode himself, amid much interest. This unveiling was accompanied by music from a bagpipe band.
In 1963, Van Tetterode founded the National 1 April Society, which annually rewarded the best April Fool’s joke with a Prix de Joke, consisting of a bronze miniature of Loeres. The original statue was later damaged by bitumen paint and was moved to the Cultural Centre due to the construction plans for Paviljoen Zuid. The statue has had various locations since then and is now located in the front garden of Van Tetterode’s son Oliver’s house at Brederodestraat 77.
The replica of Loeres now stands on the Boulevard Zuid beach strip, the spot where it was found on the beach in 1962.
About Edo van Tetterode (1929-1996)
Edo van Tetterode came from a family of stonemasons and started his career as an actor, but eventually chose the family business Tetterode Steen in Amsterdam. In 1974 he established his own company in Zandvoort. In addition to being a stonemason, he was also a cartoonist and founder of the kite club Fly Away, with which he organised kite competitions in Zandvoort for 15 years. Van Tetterode is also responsible for many facade stones in the city. His last work was the monument “Tolerance” in Hilversum, which shows two large stone hands holding a glass dragonfly.