The Nederlandsche Vereeniging voor Ambachts- en Nijverheidskunst (V.A.N.K.) was founded in 1904. It was founded by Jacob Pieter van den Bosch, Herman Hana, Klaas van Leeuwen, Theo Molkenboer, and Willem Penaat. At the turn of the century the idea of artist-craftsmen was emerging. The existing Dutch societies and clubs for painters and architects did not adequately represent these artisans and they formed V.A.N.K., the first society for designers in the Netherlands.

Theodorus Henricus Antonius Adolph Molkenboer was a Dutch painter and designer, notably, of book covers and posters. He was also an expert on the history of Dutch folk costumes and wrote several short works on that subject.