Milling is a dying profession in the Netherlands. A century ago, there were around 10,000 mills in use in the Netherlands but today there are just around 1200 dotted across the country.

Even though these original corn, water or hulling mills are no longer in use, a small group of enthusiasts keep the sails turning. It's a great hobby but it's also hard work.

Photographer John Stoel has made a series of portraits as homage to the few remaining millers in the Netherlands. The exhibition, entitled Near the mill at the Kunsthal in Rotterdam has a surprise: sometimes, the miller is a woman.

The 'Near the Mill' exhibition runs from 3 October to 22 November 2009.