woensdag 12 februari 2014

Second World War in 100 objects

For one time only, a hundred of the most exceptional objects from 25 war and resistance museums in the Netherlands are to be brought together and exhibited at the Kunsthal Rotterdam. ‘The Second World War in 100 Objects' is an exhibition that takes visitors back to the days of the Second World War giving it relevance for young and old alike. The numerous events behind each of these objects evoke personal memories, emotions, abhorrence and sentiments stemming from the war years between 1940 and 1945. I can't show you all the objects but made a choice of a few.
This is what left of a sewing machine after the bombing of the city of Rotterdam by the Germans. This attack led to the capitulation of the Netherlands as they threatened to bomb all the big cities in our country.

As there was no electricity people had to be inventive by using a bike to generate a mimeographe machine to print pamphlets power.

A roll of cloth with the Star of David printed with the word "Jew" on it that the Jewish people had to wear clearly visible on their coat.

The marble box Anne Frank had given to her neighbour friend and recently was discovered only after 70 years in custody.

A little bear that a girl had picked up from the street in the Dutch Indies left by the owner who was transported to the internation camps and appeared to be filled with coins. She discovered this after years when she left the teddy bear valued on a fair and someone noticed it was so heavy for such a small teddy.

The only transport the dutch had was their bike but there were no rubber bicycle tires anymore. Someone had invented this construction of wood to have some suspension. How clever is that!

When the allies came to liberate our country they dropped not only soldiers by parachutes, but also many objects they needed to have some transport, for instance this cute little moterbike.

It has become a long post but I think it was an interesting exhibition.



13 opmerkingen:

  1. When it comes to WWII I am a history buff. Today I learned things from your posting that I was not aware of. I'm just thankful that I did not have to personally endure these horrific times.

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  2. Yes, more than fascinating...a bit sobering when recalling the history. Love the teddy bear!!

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  3. I love history and love to learn - I am most impressed with these articles. My neighbour from Belgium had told me at one time that people also buried their valuables in and about the yard to hide them for safe keeping during the war. There's probably a lot of it that never got uncovered. I am impressed with the marbles and the box, for when I was a small girl I had my marbles in a small tea can my Mother gave me. One of the first books my Mother bought me for my birthday one year was Anne Frank - I think I read that book many times and it still sits on my book shelf today. This was a most interesting post Marianne - thank you for showing us these very interesting historical items via virtual post. Well done - Lilly
    PS My neighbour loved the photos that Stef sent - thank you very much :)

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  4. This is as interesting as it is sad. From my understanding the Dutch really suffered during this occupation. I wonder if your parents shared their story with you? Thank you for such an interesting post.

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  5. This is as interesting as it is sad. From my understanding the Dutch really suffered during this occupation. I wonder if your parents shared their story with you? Thank you for such an interesting post.

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  6. This post was not long enough. You could show all 100 items and I'd be here reading about each and every one. This is fascinating. Thank you for showing these few.

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  7. This is so interesting. Maybe you will show more another time? I wish I could see the whole exhibit for myself! Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Nice post. I was wondering who rode the bike, who played with the teddy bear, who sewed on the sewing machine.... I love Anne Frank very much. I have her book and read it many times.

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  9. Een indrukwekkende tentoonstelling.

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  10. What an interesting exhibit. I had just recently read an article about Anne Frank's marbles and how she gave them to her friend for safekeeping. My father served in the United States Navy during World War II.

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  11. Fascinating exhibition Marianne, it's always good to be reminded in the hope that we would never let these shocking things happen again.
    P.s. While I was researching my post about the fountain bar I discovered that there is actually a big Dutch input into the Fringe World this year, both in the entertainment and food areas..

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