Centrum in Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Laurens Janszoon Coster
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2026
1. Laurens Janszoon Coster Marker
Door: Alexander Franciscus Schobbens (1768)
Laurens Jansz. Coster, het Haarlemse historische figuur uit de 15e eeuw, werd lang beschouwd als de uitvinder van de boekdrukkunst. Hij zou dit decennia eerder hebben gedaan voordat Johannes Gutenberg in 1455 in Mainz zijn eerste bijbel zou drukken. Deze mythe werd verspreid door het boek Batavia van Hadrianus Junius. Later onderzoek wijst uit dat het historische figuur Coster niet eens heeft bestaan en waarschijnlijk verzonnen was door een herbergier om zijn herberg speciaal te maken.
Dit beeld heeft Johannes Enschede ter ere van het 25-jarig jubileum van de lettergieterij in 1768 laten maken, samen met het beeld van Hadrianus Junius dat binnen onderaan de trap staat. Beide beelden stonden in de binnentuin van het bedrijf.
by: Alexander Franciscus Schobbens (1768)
Laurens Jansz. Coster, the 15th century historical figure from Haarlem, was, as for a long time considered to be the inventor of printing. He was supposed to have done this decades before
this page online
Johannes Enschedι commissioned this statue in honor of the 25th anniversary of de type foundry along with the statue of Hadrianus Junius that is placed in front of the stairs inside the archive. Both statues were placed in the courtyard of the company.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1455.
Location. 52° 22.986′ N, 4° 38.272′ E. Marker is in Haarlem, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Centrum. It can be reached from the intersection of Jansstraat and Schapenplein, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Haarlem, Noord-Holland 2011 RX, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Goutsmitscamer / Goldsmiths Guild Hall (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Simon Philip de Vries (about 180 meters away); Site of Former Synagogue (about 180 meters away); Hofje van Oorschot (about 180 meters away); Hoofdwacht / Civic Guard Headquarters
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2026
2. Statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster and Marker
More about this marker. The statue and marker are in the courtyard for St. Janskerk, just a few steps in from the Jansstraat entrance to the courtyard, and just a few steps to the east of the Noord-Holland Archief.
Also see . . . Laurens Janszoon Coster (Wikipedia). Overview:
Laurens Janszoon Coster (c. 1370 in Haarlem c. 1440), or Laurens Jansz Koster, is the purported inventor of a printing press from Haarlem. He allegedly invented printing simultaneously with Johannes Gutenberg and was regarded by some in the Netherlands well into the 20th century as having invented printing first.(Submitted on June 4, 2026.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2026
3. Statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster and Marker - wider view
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
