Fire at the Onderlinge Pharmaceutische Groothandel – Utrecht, 6 October 1906
This remarkable pair of photographs documents the aftermath of a significant fire at the Onderlinge Pharmaceutische Groothandel (OPG) in the Catharijneconvent on the Nieuwegracht in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Captured by the Dutch photographer C.J.L. Vermeulen in October 1909. 
First Photograph:
The image shows the building’s façade after the fire, with shattered windows and extensive roof damage. A group of uniformed men, likely firefighters and officials, stand before the entrance next to a tall ladder propped against the wall. Leafy tree branches cast shadows across the scorched exterior.
 
Second Photograph:
This view takes you inside the devastation, revealing collapsed charred beams and a thick layer of debris. Nine uniformed men are posed among the wreckage beneath the skeletal remains of the roof trusses. In the background, a tall brick chimney and neighboring structures are visible.
 
Both photographs are mounted on sturdy beige card with the photographer’s red ink stamp:
C.J.L. Vermeulen – Atelier voor Moderne Fotografie – Den Haag & Utrecht
 
Each mount bears a handwritten inscription noting the date: 6 October 1909.
 
Cabinet Card photographs mounted on studio cardstock, a format commonly used for professional documentation and presentation.
 
Technique
Albumen or early gelatin silver print on matte paper, exhibiting fine detail and rich tonal variation.
 
Photographer
C.J.L. Vermeulen, professional photographer active in The Hague and Utrecht in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for architectural and documentary work.
 
Dimensions
Mount size approx.: 21 x 13,5 cm 
Image size approx.: 16,5 x 12 cm 
 
Date
6 October 1909 (handwritten on the mounts)
 
Condition
Photographs are clean and retain excellent contrast with minimal fading.
Mounts show light edge wear, faint foxing, and pencil annotations.