Photo exhibit GP Zandvoort 70s and 80s

The approaching Grand Prix in Zandvoort invites us to reflect on historical images of the circuit in the 1970s and 1980s. A period when the sport developed technically and commerce made its appearance. Images from this leading era former photojournalist Harry Verkuijlen captured and is happy to share with a wider audience during the photo exhibition Grand Prix Zandvoort 70|80. The exhibition can be seen during the Open Monument Days on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September between 11am and 5pm at Zandvoort Town Hall.

"Besides my daily work as a photojournalist at home and abroad, I have always been interested in Formula 1 Grand Prix as a hobby. Especially in the 70s and 80s, I regularly visited the Zandvoort Circuit and the dynamic street circuit in Monaco. A beautiful contrast," the 72-year-old instigator of the photo exhibition Harry Verkuijlen looks back on a fascinating time. He had worked as a photojournalist for national newspapers since 1972 and ended his working life as a photojournalist about 10 years ago. "My private collection of dozens of images has been stored in boxes in the attic for years. As my passion for motorsport has remained all these years, the idea arose to revive the period image of those days."

Penetrating portraits

The atmospherically decorated photo exhibition will soon not only show penetrating close-up portraits of famous racing drivers with emotion on their faces. Through nostalgic atmospheric images, visitors can also imagine themselves in a time when tobacco manufacturers dominated the competition and grandstands were as full as they are today. With this exhibition, we also dwell on drivers who manifested themselves in the absolute top, but unfortunately some of them also lost their lives, such as Ronnie Peterson, François Cevert and Ayrton Senna, who won eternal fame for his sublime driving skills.

Black and white

"Born Zandvoorter Jan Lammers plays an important role in the unique black-and-white image series that will be displayed during the Open Monuments Days. He was part of the Formula 1 team Shadow for four years, among others. During that time, Jan was sponsored by tobacco manufacturer Samson and it resulted in a seat at Ferrari. This became vacant after the tragic death of Gilles Villeneuve at Zolder. The intention was to finish the season for Ferrari but that plan fell apart due to nothing less than a broken thumb," says man behind the camera Harry Verkuijlen. It is an example of a fascinating story hidden behind just one photo. "I would love to share my photos with young and old alike on 9 and 10 September and reminisce about those days with other F1 enthusiasts."

Are you interested in visiting the photo exhibition? You are welcome during the Open Monumentendagen on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Zandvoort Town Hall, Raadhuisplein 16. Registration is not necessary and admission is free. This photo exhibition was created on the basis of voluntary efforts by those involved and in cooperation with, among others, the Zandvoort Museum.