Over the last few months we have been working very hard on organising, preparing and setting up the TRC’s latest exhibtion, ‘Textile Tales from the Second World War’.
We had originally planned an official opening with a special guest, a large audience, a lecture, buffet meal, etc. Instead, and directly thanks to the covid-19 virus, we had to change our plans, but we still wanted to mark the event, so this afternoon there was a ‘non-opening opening’!
Because of social distancing and the general limit on the number of people who could be present in the TRC Gallery, we decided to celebrate the opening of the exhibition with representatives from the Mennonite community, the TRC Board and community, and those who have helped put up the exhibition. Seven people were at the opening and most had the chance to say a few words about the history of the exhibition, to make some general comments, as well as to provide more personal accounts about certain objects.
A word that came back again and again was ‘ inspiration’ and how some of the various stories can change our understanding of the period and how we look at things today. Some stories were very strange, others have become all too familiar over the last few months, such as shortages (food and toilet rolls), not being able to see friends and family members, and in some countries, curfews, etc.
One thing that has been confirmed is that our plan to tell the ‘domestic’ story of the Second World War and the occupation of The Netherlands, and shed another light on those momentous events has succeeded.
A short video was made of the ‘opening’ by Joost Kolkman and as soon as the film is available we will put it online for everyone to view and enjoy. In addition, this morning a journalist from the Leidsch Dagblad came to see the exhibition and an article will appear shortly about the items and stories on display. We will make a copy of it and again make it digitally available.
The exhibition, ‘Textile Tales from the Second World War’ will be on view until the 14th January 2021. You can see it Monday-Thursday, from 10.00 until 14.00 on these days, but you need to book in advance via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gillian Vogelsang, 16th September 2020
