De Kat, Zaandam

De Katis the only remaining workingwindmillin the world which makes paint. Themillis in theZaanse Schans,Zaanstad.

The original mill 'De Kat' was built in 1646 as anoil mill.In 1782 it was destroyed by fire but was rapidly rebuilt again. The mill was in use until 1904 and then was partially demolished.

In 1960 the eight-sided paint mill 'De Duinjager' was removed from its former position owing to urban development and placed on top of the old storehouse of 'De Kat'. The mill is again grinding raw materials such as chalk to make pigments for paints in the traditional way. The mill is owned by theVereniging De Zaansche Molen.