Pieke Potloed back in Maastricht

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A well-known Maastricht character is making a comeback. Pieke Potloed, the brainchild of artist Pieke Dassen, has been re-released as a bronze and cast resin figurine. The figurines are available exclusively from the Maastricht Store, part of Maastricht Marketing. The proceeds will go to two charities.

Through the Maastricht Store, Maastricht Marketing provides a platform for products and stories linked to the city. The return of Pieke Potloed fits in perfectly with this. The character forms part of Maastricht’s cultural heritage and introduces a new generation to the work of Pieke Dassen.

A Maastricht icon

Pieke Dassen (1930–2007) was an artist and puppeteer who became best known for his puppet theatre in the Poesjenellenkelder in the Dinghuis in Maastricht. In the 1960s, he brought various characters to life there, including the headstrong and somewhat rebellious Pieke Potloed.

Pieke Dassen was also the designer and creator of the puppets for the iconic television programme *De Film van Ome Willem*. His work has had a lasting impact on both Maastricht and Dutch puppet theatre.

 

Pieke Parcours during Maastricht Year 2026

Pieke Potloed’s return ties in with the Maastricht Year 2026. In September, the Pieke Parcours will also focus on the work and legacy of Pieke Dassen.

For many Maastricht residents, Pieke Dassen is inextricably linked to the ‘Poesjenellenkelder’ in the Dinghuis, where generations were introduced to his unique form of puppet theatre. During the Pieke Parcours, his work returns to this historic venue. An exhibition featuring original puppets, drawings and archive material is on display in the ‘Poesjenellenzolder’. In addition, there will be children’s performances by Ruben Komkommer. Theatre performances will also take place at other venues across the city, including the Magisch Theatertje. This will bring not only the puppets but also the world of Maastricht’s puppet theatre back to life.

The Pieke Parcours is an initiative of the Pieke Dassen Foundation and the Magisch Theatertje, and is organised in collaboration with numerous cultural partners, including Lumière, Maastricht Marketing, De Kunstketel, Brede Spoor and various national and international theatre makers.

Social objectives

The Pieke Potloed figurines are available exclusively from the Maastricht Store in the Dinghuis in two versions: bronze and cast resin. Sales not only help to raise the profile of Maastricht’s cultural heritage once again, but also support two charities. The figurine was previously released as part of a campaign to raise funds for research into childhood leukaemia. At the time, Dassen made his royalties available for this cause. This new edition continues that social ethos. Two-thirds of the proceeds will go to the Dutch Leukaemia Foundation. One-third is earmarked for the Maastricht Foundation Against Bullying in Schools, which is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for children and young people.

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Pieke Potloed figurine, Maastricht Store

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