Architect and overseer of the royal palaces in Apeldoorn
Hendrik Jan Lijsen was baptized on April 14, 1765, in Aalten as the son of Jan Lijsen (1736–1800) and Elisabeth Buunk (1739–1772). In 1792, he married Hendrika van Rennes (1768–1854) in Ede. He passed away on February 2, 1838, in Apeldoorn.
Lijsen was a prominent 19th-century Dutch architect and engineer who held the position of overseer of the Royal Palaces under King William I.
Key achievements:
- overseer of the royal palaces
- Royal architect: He served as an architect for the royal estates in the northern provinces.
- Architect of ‘Het Kleine Loo’, Zwolseweg 1 in Apeldoorn: He designed this characteristic villa in Apeldoorn (ca. 1829), originally built as an official residence for the palace intendant. In later years, the house was renovated and enlarged.
- Architect of the Grift Canal (now ‘Apeldoorns Kanaal’) connecting Apeldoorn with Hattem, commissioned by the king (1825).
- He was responsible for the complex pond and fountain systems in the gardens of Het Loo Palace.
A Family of Master Builders
Hendrik Jan was not the only talented architect in his family. His younger brother Derk Lijsen (1767–1838) built a strong reputation in Zutphen and the surrounding area as a master carpenter and architect. Derk’s son Jan Lijsen (1805–1883) also became an architect. A grandson of Derk, also named Derk (1835–1922), made a name for himself between 1865 and 1908 with various striking buildings in Zutphen and the surrounding area.
