De Kat, Zaandam

De Kat is the only remaining working windmill in the world which makes paint. The mill is in the Zaanse Schans, Zaanstad.

De Kat in 2007
Dyes made at De Kat

The original mill 'De Kat' was built in 1646 as an oil mill. In 1782 it was destroyed by fire but was rapidly rebuilt again. The mill was in use until 1904 and then was partially demolished.

In 1960 the eight-sided paint mill 'De Duinjager' was removed from its former position owing to urban development and placed on top of the old storehouse of 'De Kat'. The mill is again grinding raw materials such as chalk to make pigments for paints in the traditional way. The mill is owned by the Vereniging De Zaansche Molen.

  • View of the mill
    View of the mill
  • Drying shed for chalk
    Drying shed for chalk
  • Clogs at the door
    Clogs at the door
  • Side stones
    Side stones
  • Pigment containers
    Pigment containers
  • Side stone with red pigment
    Side stone with red pigment

See also
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52.4750°N 4.8178°E / 52.4750; 4.8178

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