Doesburg is a small city which looks like a picture postcard from the 19th century. Its gable-fronted houses and cobbled streets are largely unspoilt and retain their original integrity. Many musicians, writers and artists live in the city and contribute to its cultural life.

For this project, two local authors, Kees Rood and Harmon Wind, wrote poems about the River Ijssel. The Ijssel runs along one side of Doesburg and gives the city much of its charm and character.

The two pillars are placed at the two ends of a new promenade which runs alongside the river. This is part of a redevelopment of the riverfront which has brought badly-needed housing to the city and opened up the connection between the city and the river.

Harmon's poem (left) compares the river to a bride's veil, "dragging the heavens through the land." Kees's poem (right) links the river to the elements; water, earth, air - and freedom. The pillars are four meters high and faced with black welsh slate.