“I prefer to build a display cabinet around an object”

At SDB Vitrinebouw, we create bespoke display cases; this is all about craftsmanship. After all, it is the details – visible and invisible – that make the difference. And that is exactly what our people ensure. One of them is Wim Bodar. A fitter by trade, and he has been with SDB since 1988.

What exactly do you do as a fitter?

“To put it simply, I assemble display cases. I receive a drawing from our production planner, along with the corresponding timber, aluminium and glass orders. I then gather all the materials and get to work. Incidentally, I don’t just follow instructions blindly; if I come across something that could be done more easily, I speak up. As a fitter, I’m given complete freedom to contribute ideas.”

Do you always work in the workshop in Rosmalen?

“I’m often in Rosmalen, but I also regularly work on site. Over the years, I’ve been everywhere: all over the Netherlands, of course, and from Belgium and Germany to Ireland and France. I even spent three weeks in Shanghai building protective covers for Philips machines. That’s how you get to see the world, haha.”

What makes a good fitter?

“A good fitter works, above all, with precision and care. It’s obviously important that both standard and bespoke display cabinets are 100% in order when they leave the workshop. This means they must be technically sound, free from damage, and the lighting must work. It’s also important that a fitter contributes ideas to keep the technology as simple as possible.”

How can you tell from a display cabinet that it’s been made by a professional?

“You can tell by the build quality. I come across SDB display cabinets that are already thirty years old. This is because we’ve mastered all the techniques: from the precise gluing of glass right through to the correct application of a ‘quick-assembly system’ with a spindle and a clamp.”

What do you love most about your profession?

“I prefer to build a display case around an object. This keeps things varied, as it’s bespoke work. The aim is to show off that one showpiece to its best advantage. For instance, I once made a display case for Johannes Vermeer’s painting The Little Street. The royal display case at Paleis het Loo is also one of my highlights. It showcased the attire worn by King Willem-Alexander at his coronation, as well as Queen Máxima’s gown. It’s always special to see the end result. Even after 33 years!”