A book dating back to the year 1632 and the umbrella belonging to Cornelius de Greiff add to the current exhibition “Krähenfeld zur Seidenwelt”, at Haus der Seidenkultur (HdS) which concentrates on the history of the Mennonites in Krefeld. “These two items are unique treasures which add a great deal to our current exhibition”, says curator Dr. Ulrike Denter proudly.

Prof. Jürgen Schram (Hochschule Niederrhein) bought the book about “The persecution of the Mennonites” from a second-hand bookshop in the Netherlands. It was immediately clear to him: “The 1122 pages steeped in history and held together with brass fasteners must be loaned to HdS!”

The work was written by Hans de Ries, who in one chapter declared it to be the 4th edition of the statement of belief “Text on History of Martyrs”.  A hand-written note points to the one-time owner of the historical book: “Paul Linhart who was the preacher in the Mennonite congregation at the time of the first town expansion”.

The replica of an umbrella belonging to the silk merchant Cornelius de Greiff is a further highlight in the arc of suspense from “Krähenfeld zur Seidenwelt”. De Greiff always carried an umbrella clamped under his left arm when he went out walking and this posture was synonymous for the town’s benefactor.

Using historical depictions, the company „Schirmhaus Schnitzler“ (Hochstr. 102) has had a replica of the legendary umbrella produced which can be seen for the first time at HdS.

Curator Dr. Ulrike Denter presents the replica

Ulrike Denter with the replica of the umbrella which once belonged to Cornelius de Greiff and Jürgen Schram with the book dating from the year 1632. Both exhibits can be seen in the current temporary exhibition “Vom Krähenfeld zur Seidenwelt”.

HdS Photos: Brenner