Unique stained glass window, anniversary gift employees Brugman Radiatoren, reduced
On Friday, July 4, 2025, an article appeared in the Tubantia about a stained-glass window that will play a prominent role at GLASRIJK in October 2025. How and what? You'll read that later; for now, here's the text of the newspaper report.
Hans Brugman Jr. said: ‘Do what you want with it’
Former Brugman Radiators employees sound the alarm upon hearing that the old factory in Tubbergen may be demolished. They know that a special and valuable work of art hangs in the canteen. How did that artwork end up at Brugman? And how is the rescue mission progressing?
An anniversary to never forget
The 25th anniversary of Brugman Radiators in 1988 is celebrated in grand style. No expense is spared – business is good in the 80s, after all. The company treats all 125 employees and their partners to a long weekend at the Kurhaus in Scheveningen. Brugman Radiators books rooms for no less than 220 people.
Television presenter Astrid Joosten will host the evening's festivities, and celebrities will also perform, including singer Lee Towers.
The employees are also contributing to the anniversary program. There will even be a revue. Rehearsals are taking place at IT employee Bennie Kreuwel's home in Geesteren. He still keeps the original revue booklet.
Great gift for the Brugman family
In addition to the revue, the staff wants to give a special gift to the Brugman family. All employees are contributing money for a joint present. Kreuwel and former manager Harrie Hutten approached a renowned stained-glass artist for this: Joep Nicolas of Ronkenstein, a scion of the famous glassmaking Nicolas family, known for the stained-glass windows in the Pancratius Basilica in Tubbergen.
For 5,000 guilders, he creates a unique artwork that symbolizes the bond between Tubbergen and Brugman. The work in the radiator factory and the Brugman family's love for equestrian sports are also incorporated. Hans Brugman even participated in the 1972 Munich Olympics as a member of the eventing team.
“The stained glass window was too heavy to carry into the hall,” Hutten explains.
The artwork measures 1.20 by 1.50 meters and will be unveiled at the Kurhaus during the anniversary weekend. The Brugman family is visibly moved. “Hans Brugman senior was known as someone who never shed a tear, but this really affected him,” says Hutten.
From canteen to threat of demolition
The stained glass window will be prominently displayed in the factory canteen. “Hans Brugman Jr. wasn't entirely happy with his portrait, but in the end, the window got a place after all,” said Kreuwel.
Now that the factory has been empty for years and demolition is looming, the artwork is in danger. The special window – with recognizable images such as the logo of the municipality of Tubbergen, the factory, and horseback riders – now represents considerable value.
“This ensures that important cultural heritage in Tubbergen is preserved,” says Hannie Droste, board member of Glasrijk.
Glasrijk takes action
Hutten en Kreuwel are sounding the alarm at Stichting Glasrijk Tubbergen. Due to a change in board, any movement will only happen in 2024. “We heard about the stained-glass window and immediately took action,” says Hannie Droste, a board member of Glasrijk.
After consulting with Hans Brugman, it becomes clear that he is relinquishing the window: “Do with it what you want,” he says. Stichting Glasrijk Tubbergen will formally receive the artwork.
From October 2025, it will be given a place of honor during the 2025 edition of Glasrijk, and it will hang permanently in its familiar spot in the cafeteria of MW-Techniek, the new owner of the Brugman factory.
“This way, important cultural heritage for Tubbergen is preserved,” Droste concludes.
Thanks to regional reporter Tom van den Berg for the interview, thanks to Harrie Hutten (former manager at Brugman), Bennie Kreuwel (former IT employee), and Diego Semprun Nicolas (nephew of Nicolas van Ronkenstein).
