The first condom factory

In the early 18th century, Utrecht turned into a vibrant centre of international diplomacy. From 1712 to 1715, the city was at the heart of the Treaty of Utrecht negotiations, which ended years of European conflict. This historic moment attracted diplomats from all over the world to Utrecht, accompanied by their extensive consequences. The city experienced an unprecedented boom period; houses were rented out en masse to the foreign guests, boosting the local economy.

The presence of these diplomats and their entourage turned daily life in Utrecht upside down. The city teemed with bachelors who filled their free time with amusement and entertainment, leading to lively nights and an increase in the number of prostitutes. This licentious behaviour was fodder for writers and led to the publication of a piquant book in 1713, which unctuously described Utrecht's amorous adventures and social life. The epistolary novel's name was: 'Amorous and piquant history of the congress and the city of Utrecht'.

A striking detail from this period is the mention of a woman who ran a condom factory in Utrecht's Begijnhof. This enterprise, possibly the first of its kind worldwide, offered a safer alternative for the prevention of venereal diseases. The success of this factory met resistance from her brother, a surgeon, who saw his income from treating such diseases dwindle. Most likely, this is the first condom factory in the Netherlands and perhaps even worldwide.