The 15 so-called “Emsland camps” existed from 1933 to 1945. In total
around 80,000 concentration camp prisoners and more than 100,000 prisoners of war were interned here
and suffered the cruellest treatment. Hunger, deprivation,
inhumane living conditions and forced labor shaped the daily lives of the
prisoners. In the midst of terror and suffering, however, there was also artistic activity.
Among the prisoners were artists who found solace and support in drawing,
works and design, thus also giving the other camp inmates courage and
confidence. The camps produced watercolors, drawings and
sketches, wood carvings and handicrafts and, last but not least,
“utility art”, everyday objects with artistic decorations
. In an illustrated lecture, the former director of the
Esterwegen Memorial, Dr. Andrea Kaltofen, presents the biographies and artistic
work of “camp artists” such as Ernst Walsken, Wilhelm Henze,
Adolf Bender and Emil Melchert.

Lecture: Dr. Andrea Kaltofen
Location: Stadtmuseum Meppen
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: €6 (box office)
Registration: Tel.: 05931 153 278, by e-mail at s.lorenz@meppen.de