At a Glance
Haus der Seidenkultur has a temporary home in the “Crefelder Südbahnhof”
Werkhaus General Manager gives the “green light” to go ahead
From January 2012 the Haus der Seidenkultur can be found in the “Südbahnhof”. Werkhaus General Manager, Georg Dammer, and Chairman of the HdS Association of Friends, Hansgeorg Hauser, made this announcement during a joint on-site visit in the former “Ladies Waiting Room” at the station.
“There is no better place to underline our waiting situation,” says Hauser “now that we have finally found a suitable temporary home until the building in Luisenstrasse has been refurbished to meet the applicable fire protection requirements.
“In the Südbahnhof we now have an opportunity to present both current temporary exhibitions and also the permanent exhibits from the workshop for ecclesiastical textiles. For example, the exhibition “Textile Philately” surrounds a point-paper designer’s workplace and an upright loom. “I am very happy to be able to attract groups to my new workplace at the loom” explains master weaver, Günter Oehms, who at the age of 76 is full of enthusiasm.
Soon after being approached by Hauser, the green light was given for the new tenant to move into Südbahnhof relatively quickly. According to Georg Dammer who is responsible for the cultural activities offered in the Südbahnhof, the topic textiles which reflects Krefeld’s history and keeps the old crafts alive, enhances the range of activities already offered.
The first synergy effects already became apparent whilst the exhibits were being set up. The station guests showed interest in the history of the postal system and textiles in Krefeld whilst visitors to the “Samt- und Seidenrunde” (textile discussion group) took the opportunity to appreciate the details of the Südbahnhof.
Dammer and Hauser are therefore certain of one thing: “Especially in the difficult situation which both organisations face in respect of facilities and existence, this is not just an optional provisional arrangement. In fact specific opportunities have been created in the context of space and content. Both Werkhaus and HdS will benefit from this new co-operation as will all visitors!”
The first HdS projects such as the Advent workshops are already being held in the Südbahnhof. To Hauser it is important that the local population doesn’t lose sight of the Haus der Seidenkultur whilst the building measures are being carried out in Luisenstrasse.