A Stitch a Day... Embroidering in Prison, 1940-1945

This exhibition showcases a large number of embroideries made by women imprisoned during WWII in Europe and the Dutch East Indies.

Creativity to pass the time

Thousands of Dutch women were imprisoned during the Second World War: Jewish women, women in the Dutch East Indies and members of the Resistance. The conditions in the prisons varied considerably, but whenever they could, these women would make embroideries.

Colour in a grey existence

The women would do their utmost to be able to do so. They stole needles from the guards, ripped patches off sheets or clothing and pulled thread out of coloured headscarves. They embroidered for themselves and for one another. It was something to enjoy, it gave them a sense of security and brought colour to their grey existence.