The iconic carillon in the Peperbus is being expanded and renewed. With this expansion, the Zwolle carillon will soon have 56 bells, making it one of the largest in the Netherlands. 

History

After the 17th century, Zwolle had no carillon for a long time. Thanks to the construction of the old IJssel bridge in the twentieth century, that changed. The “Commission for bridging the IJssel near the Katerveer” had raised so much money at the time that a significant amount remained after the construction. This amount was used to make the bronze bells of Zwolle ring again: on January 15, 1930, the carillon was officially put into use during the festive opening of the bridge.

The original bells

The original 40 bells were cast in 1929/1930 by the English bell founder John Taylor & Co. Additionally, there were some other bells in the Peperbus, two of which were included in the carillon: the heaviest one weighing 2,500 kg from 1714 and the oldest from 1484. Thus, the carillon consisted of 42 bells at the opening. In 1978, five small bells were added, and in 2004, another four followed, the heaviest of which weighs over 4,000 kilograms.

Project: new bells

The Zwolle bells are special due to their profile with ellipses and circular arches and their unique sound. To improve the sound harmony, the desire arose to replace seven existing bells, which were cast using a different technique. At the same time, the carillon would be expanded with five new bells. Thanks to a donation from Rotary Zwolle, this project was made possible.

The order for the manufacture of the twelve bells was awarded on November 4, 2020, to a company in Slovakia. This company uses the same traditional method as Taylor did in 1930, ensuring that the new bells have the same sound characteristics as the other bells in the Peperbus.

Meanwhile, the new bells have been tuned and are arriving today, October 15, at the Peperbus. In the coming period, they will be installed, with the expectation that the renewed carillon will be playable by the end of the year.

Images

  • Fig. 1 The twelve new bells
  • Fig. 2 Louis van Oldeniel (Municipality of Zwolle) hands over the largest new bell to Chardy van Riel (Bell Service)
  • Fig. 3 The bells are hoisted with a hoisting system