The Paradijspoort, a recognizable artwork at the municipal cemetery in Retie-centrum since 2012, has been returned to its familiar spot after months of restoration work. The artwork, designed by Retie artists Hubert Deckx, Theo Alofs, and Peter Hoedemaekers, showed signs of weathering after more than ten years, particularly on the copper cladding of the door panels.
The municipality opted for a thorough restoration to preserve the original design. The original artists, including Hubert Deckx and Theo Alofs, were involved again in the project. They contributed ideas for the restoration, and their knowledge of the design and materials used proved invaluable. A notable element, the copper puzzle pieces forming the Retie linden tree, designed by coppersmith Theo Alofs, was carefully repaired.
For the technical repairs, the municipality engaged DVG Laswerken from Retie. David Van Gompel created new handles and copper edge profiles for the doors and implemented various technical adjustments. The restoration was a collaboration between the artists, local craftsmanship, and the employees of the municipal Technical Service, and largely took place in the municipal workshop.
After months of preparation, repair, fitting, gluing, cutting, and finishing, during which the copper elements were restored and the doors technically adapted with provisions for better moisture drainage, the gate is ready for the future. On October 7, 2026, the restored gate was returned to the cemetery in the presence of the team responsible for the renovation and reinstallation.
