Centre for Dutch Studies

Dutch Studies refers to the scholarly study of all cultural expression in Dutch. The Dutch language is not only associated with the Netherlands, but also with Belgium, especially its Dutch language region: Flanders. We refer to the Dutch language area in Europe as 'the Low Countries'. Dutch is also spoken by many people beyond Europe. In the Caribbean it is an official language in Suriname on the South-American mainland, and on the islands Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten. Dutch Studies is an interdisciplinary field bringing together experts from the arts and humanities and the social sciences.

The Centre for Dutch Studies is an interdisciplinary research centre, unique to the UK, bringing together all expertise in Dutch Studies at the University of Sheffield. It aims to be a national and international focus for Dutch Studies and to stimulate a wider interest in the culture of the Low Countries locally and in the region.

The Centre was launched on 21 April 2005 during the inauguration of the Peter King Collection. Peter King was Professor of Dutch Studies at the University of Hull between 1976 and 1987. His private collection of nearly 3000 books on Dutch history, language and literature from the middle ages to the 20th century is now housed in the University of Sheffield's library.