New Artist for Entries in the Golden Book

28-year-old Ella Sangster from Deventer is the new artist for the Golden Book of Deventer. She was one of 6 participants in a competition organized by the municipality. 

Residents, companies, associations, or institutions that have special significance for Deventer can qualify for an honorary mention in the Golden Book. The pages in the book are provided with an official declaration in calligraphy (cursive script) and artistic images that together form the entry. 

Ella Sangster is happy to be able to update the Golden Book in the coming period. She sees it as an honor:  “I find the idea and origin of the book incredibly beautiful. It is worth giving a platform to the positive things that happen.” 

Sangster is a professional illustrator/artist and teaches at the Etty Hillesum Lyceum - De Boerhaave. She moved to Deventer in 2023 and immediately noticed the pride residents have for their city or village. 

Ella Sangster was among 3 artists who recently designed an official entry in the Golden Book for the 100th anniversary of the Deventer Swing Orchestra (on October 19, 2025), the 100th anniversary of Deventer Football Club Sallandia (on November 16, 2025), and the 200th anniversary of Arcelor Mittal Steel Trading BV (January 21, 2026). Ella Sangster was the winner responsible for the DVV Salandia entry. 

“Ella’s contribution stood out because she gave the page a classical look while her work also appears very contemporary,” explains Mayor Ron König. “She prepared well on the subject and even visited the club to experience what makes Sallandia Sallandia. That is beautifully reflected in her work.”

The history of the Golden Book goes back to World War II. The book has existed since 1945 and was established on the initiative of then-mayor ir. C.A. Doets. The occasion was the granting of honorary citizenship of Deventer to the commander of the liberating Canadian troops: Brigadier General T. Graeme Gibson. Gibson was the first to be entered in the Golden Book on October 6, 1945.