Mill De Kat - Zaandam

Like many mills in the Zaan region, De Kat has a remarkable history. It was originally built in 1646 on the Kalverringdijk to grind natural materials, such as chalk and pigments, for producing paint. The paint made from these pigments was used in artworks and restoration projects. For a long time, De Kat also produced linseed oil, rapeseed oil, and other vegetable oils.

In 1782, the mill was destroyed by fire but was quickly rebuilt. However, in 1904, the upper part of the mill was removed, and the remaining structure, along with its shed, was repurposed as a storage and drying facility for chalk and other materials. This marked the end of De Kat’s role as a paint mill.

In 1959, De Duinjager, another mill in Zaandam-Oost, was dismantled to make way for urban expansion. The upper section of this mill was placed atop De Kat—a deliberate choice since both mills shared a history of grinding pigments. After the restoration, the combined mill initially sifted sawdust but soon resumed its function as a paint mill.

Today, the pigments from De Kat are highly sought after by artists and prominent museums, including the Rembrandt House and the Vatican Museums, which rely on its quality for their restorations and collections.