What’s On
Glasgow Museums holds a unique collection of artworks by Czech Jewish artist Marianne Grant, née Mariana Hermannová (1921–2007), who witnessed first-hand Nazi atrocity in World War II, first in Theresienstadt concentration camp-ghetto and then in Auschwitz, Neuengamme and Bergen-Belsen. Subsequently she was a refugee in Sweden before settling in Glasgow in 1951. Producing artwork within the camps came at a risk – some artists were tortured or killed. However, Marianne asserted that it saved her life. Her art gave her courage and resilience, providing a vital link with her previous life and giving hope for the future, fostering a sense of community and support among prisoners, and giving dignity to those stripped of their individual identity and humanity. In Sweden the artwork she produced further demonstrated her strength of mind and determination to survive.
Join Curator of British Art Dr Jo Meacock as she shares this remarkable collection, discussing its significance and new research that led to the publication of a book to coincide with the centenary of the artist’s birth. Books will be on sale.
Image: Marianne Grant, _Inside the dwelling hut_, 1945, watercolour on paper. Glasgow Museums, PP.2005.38.30. © The family of Marianne Grant.
