To discover ashore

Artisans gather at St Peter and Paul Square to share their skills with the general public. Some of the offerings.

School for Ship Model Making Baasrode

The mission of the Ship Model Building School is to preserve and pass on the nautical heritage from Baasrode and the Scheldt region. The School for Ship Model Building focuses on historical ships. They do this by studying and carrying out thorough research on historical ships. They also build and restore historical ship models based on authentic plans of ships at the shipyards along the Scheldt in Baasrode and in Flanders.

Fer Unique: blacksmith at work

Ostend resident Kristof Verkouille shows his passion and work as a blacksmith during Ostend for Anchor. His great-grandfather had a smithy in Ostend in the early 19th century. By doing his job to the best of his ability, he wants to contribute to culture & heritage. "People are no longer aware that the blacksmith played a very big role in history, certainly until the industrial revolution. Nevertheless, these techniques are certainly not lost. The oldest techniques are still being used. Such as staking, punching, fire welding, forging, cutting, riveting..." Fer Unique shows how it is done.

International Guild Of Knot Tyers - knot tying organisation

This British organisation dedicates itself to preserving the traditional techniques of knot tying. They also promote the development of new techniques and material in their craft.

Old Crafts Now

The group "Old Folk Crafts Now" was founded in 1972 and is known for its demonstrations at home and abroad. The craftsmen manufacture on site in traditional ways objects that are becoming rarer by the day. Many traditional crafts are still fascinating and inviting to do yourself or to discover how people used to make their daily attributes even without machines. During Ostend at Anchor, you can discover more about woodturning, basket weaving, spinning and pot turning.

On Vindictivelaan, artists proudly present their work. It is therefore the ideal place to browse among the beautiful creations, often in a maritime theme.

There is a very diverse offer, from painters to pottery and wood engravings or books. For instance, Austrian artist Redgie Van Troost is also present. He is known for his naval style. "I am a man of the sea, a man of Ostend. The shading of colours and the movement of the clouds never ceases to intrigue me. Every day the sky has a different colour. I paint from my feelings."

Leen Vandepitte turns with Quirky clay turnings both utilitarian and decorative pieces, which very often incorporate both the sea theme and fantasy, and she often harks back to "old" utilitarian objects, in pottery, stoneware or porcelain.

Don't forget to take a look at Luc, too. With a hair-fine brush, he paints shells with the most beautiful sea scenes. Luc has his permanent place at the information tent on Sint-Petrus- en -Paulusplein.