History Leliegracht 49

This Canal house was built in Holland´s "Golden century". The plot of land was sold at Fl. 6,100.= on 29 June 1672. The first owner was IJsbrand Winters, a wine merchant, as still witnessed by the original decorations in the upper façade of the building: these contain a wine barrel and a wine glass along with the construction year (1673). The wine merchant sold his wine in what is Lelie 1 today, while the stock was most likely stored in Lelie 2. He lived with his family in Lelie 4, undoubtfully enjoying the views. His administration was most likely done in Lelie 3. 

A century later, in november 1777, the constitutional meeting of Felix Meritis was held in what is Lelie 1 today. Forty founding members were present, lead by Willem Writs (who was a watch maker in daily life). Felix Meritis was a civil association aiming to stimulate personal development of its members in order to progress in society. Felix Meritis rented the building at Fl. 700 per year. The association comprised 5 sub-departments: Physics, Music, Art (Drawing), Trade and Literature. The music department had its own 'concert hall' in what is Lelie 4 today. A floor plan of that room may still be found in the archives of Felix Meritis, held by the City Archives today. Due to expansion of the membership, the association moved out within 5 years in search of more space.

Early 1800s, the building was most likely refurbished with new windows, allowing more light into the building & improving the quality of life. Probably, the railing on the external stairs were added: I have yet to find another example of this particular empire model in Amsterdam! Also the front door at the upper ground floor was likely fitted at that time: this is an exceptionally fine empire model.  

Later that century, around 1890, a major refurbishment was done, resulting in many interior features still visible today; A new front door was fitted for the lower ground floor. Inside, the sliding doors were fitted in Lelie 1, along with a bathroom / loo and further tiles that were preserved. In Lelie 4, you will find a simple Noir de Mazy fireplace from that period along with some preserved doors. Last but not least, the attic was extended by a new roof at the back of the house, resulting in what is Lelie 5 & Lelie 6 today.

Concert hall at Lelie 4 in 1777