For her project L’Essence de Mastenbroek (2005-2012) Birthe Leemeijer searched for the Mastenbroek Polder in its most concentrated form. This resulted in a perfume that aims to evoke the various degrees of life in the Mastenbroek polder. The residents in the Dutch polder Mastenbroek- primarily dairy farmers who have been working in the polder for generations- volunteerd to participate in the Essence club. As members of this club they sourced the essentiel elements that would eventually make up L'Essence de Mastenbroek.
Since its launch in 2005, the perfume has been sold across the globe. This fluid polder has travelled to far-fetched outposts of the world and mingled with global landscapes, the desires and even the memories of individuals and communities who heve never stepped foot in Mastenbroek.The source of L'Essence can be traced to one of Mastenbroek's three waterways, resting on a hillocked foundations of an abandoned farm. Once a year the source is open to the public and anyone who has ever purchased the perfume can refill their bottles for free.
Since its launch in 2005, the perfume has been sold across the globe. This fluid polder has travelled to far-fetched outposts of the world and mingled with global landscapes, the desires and even the memories of individuals and communities who heve never stepped foot in Mastenbroek.The source of L'Essence can be traced to one of Mastenbroek's three waterways, resting on a hillocked foundations of an abandoned farm. Once a year the source is open to the public and anyone who has ever purchased the perfume can refill their bottles for free.
