Dealer of Ploquettes

You are standing in front of the sculpture of the "Merchant of Ploquettes."
It is the work of Louis-Pierre Wagelmans, a sculptor and professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Verviers. He wanted to make this popular character as real as in his memories, namely a jovial and very elegant man with his long coat, bowler hat, and typical mustache.
In the time of the wool industry, the merchant of ploquettes was a representative of wool. He spent his days roaming the streets of Verviers to present his samples of wool from one textile factory to another. His samples were rolled in paper cylinders.
During the second half of the 20th century, there were still nearly 200 of these merchants in the city.
The statue that stands before you is three meters high and made of bronze.
It represents the prosperity of the wool industry in Verviers.

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