Overview
Christiaan Rudolph Victor Slotemaker de Bruine (born 7 May 1941, The Hague; died 27 August 2024, Canberra) was a Dutch-Australian landscape architect best known as the originator and designer of Canberra’s Floriade, now Australia’s largest spring festival. He conceived Floriade in the mid-1980s, drawing inspiration from Keukenhof in the Netherlands and shaping the inaugural 1988 event as part of Canberra’s 75th anniversary and Australia’s Bicentenary.
Early Life And Migration
A trained forester/landscape professional, Slotemaker de Bruine migrated from the Netherlands to Australia in 1964, arriving by ship and settling in Canberra, where he eventually worked as a landscape architect in City Parks/ACT Parks. Later reflections describe his Dutch roots, love of large gardens and the Australian bush as formative influences.
Creating Floriade
In 1986 he proposed a floral festival for Canberra modelled on European spring displays, with a strong nod to Dutch horticultural culture. Working with horticulturist Peter Sutton and colleagues in City Parks, he handled design and the practical orchestration: bulb sourcing, marketing, entertainment, and sponsorship, including support from the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Bicentennial Authority. The first Floriade opened in 1988 at Commonwealth Park; what began as a one-off became a signature annual event that has since grown into a month-long celebration attracting national attention.
Legacy And Recognition
Floriade is now branded as “Australia’s biggest celebration of spring,” a lasting cultural link between Dutch gardening traditions and contemporary Australia. Community and institutional tributes in Canberra remember him as the “father of Floriade.” The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recently dedicated a memorial bench with plaque to honour his contribution in Commonwealth Park, underscoring the Dutch–Australian connection at the heart of the festival.
Archives And Further Research
Researchers can consult the ACT Heritage Library’s collection “HMSS 0185 Floriade: Chris de Bruine’s papers” (1986–1993), which documents the festival’s conception, name proposal, and early development. This is a valuable primary source for images, planning materials and interpretive text.
Family Note
His widow, Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine AM, is recognised for significant service to squash in Australia; local sports and community organisations have acknowledged her honours and contributions.
Selected Sources
– Floriade, “History of Floriade – Australia’s biggest celebration of spring.”
– Wikipedia summary for context on origin and partnership with Peter Sutton.
– ACT Heritage Library, “HMSS 0185 Floriade – Chris de Bruine’s Papers.”
– NPA ACT Bulletin (Dec 2024), community remembrance. Vale Christiaan Slotemaker
– Canberra Times funeral notice (biographical dates).
