Johann-Otto von Spreckelsen
(1929-1987)

Back to Expressionism

The Danish architect Johann-Otto von Spreckelsen has designed many Danish modern churches, among others Stavnsholt Kirke in Farum (1981), a suburb north of Copenhagen.  In 1982 he won the international design competition launched at the initiative of the then French president Francois Mitterrand, for the construction of the future Grande Arche in Paris La Défense.  The architect died in 1987 without having seen the accomplishment of his work, which was continued by Paul Andreu, and is now also known as La Grande Árche de l'Humanité (The Arch of Humanity). 

On 24th April 1989 the French Post Office issued a strip of 5 stamps, showing a panorama of Paris along the axis of 16 km from La Grande Arche to La Place de la Bastille with the new Opera House at the other end.  

• France 1989.  Panorama of Paris from Grande Arche to Place de la Bastille. The view is quite exceptional:  From Spreckelsen's nearly square construction, through the Arc of Triumph with the Eiffel Tower to the left, and the the column of Place de la Concorde. Further through Louvre with the Glass Pyramids, passing by the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and ending up at Place de Bastille with the new Opera House and the Marianne-column in the middle.  Scott # 2147-2151.  

The "renovation" of the axis was a prestige project for Francois Mitterrand, who wanted it completed for the military parades through Paris in connection with the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution 1789.  

France 1989.  Postal Stationery issued for PhilexFrance 89.  Sheet of labels with views of the area around La Grande Arche.

The labels are not stamps, but a nice souvenir from a visit to Paris.  Click on the image to see a large version.  The link will open in a new window. 

Sources and links:

• Johann.Otto von Spreckelsen - Great Buildings Online  
• Stavnsholt Kirke (Image Database in Danish) 

Other Expressionist architects on this site:

• Le Corbusier (French)

• Schmidt, Hammer & Lassen (Danish group)

• Eero Saarinen (Finnish born American)

• Jorn Utzon (Danish)

• Frank Lloyd Wright (American) 

Back to Expressionism