December 2, 1947: On December 2nd, the Brooklyn Museum will show in the Entrance Hall a series of 40 photographs by Lilo Kaskell. The photographs, which are of a high degree of excellence, show the terrible conditions existing in Western Europe and how certain relief agencies are trying to land to a helping hand. The pictures were taken during a trip to Germany between October 1946 and February 1947 when Miss Kaskell was sent overseas by the Religious News Service. The photographs show work of the Quakers particularly, as it was their work in which she was chiefly interested. The exhibit is timely in calling attention to the Quakers who recently received the 1947 Nobel Peace Prize. Miss Kaskell was severely handicapped by cold, bad transportation, and lack of flash bulbs and other equipment. But her most serious trouble she says was “in finding myself unable to record the terrible conditions in their full impact because dreariness brightens up under flashlights, cold and dampness cannot be felt in a photograph, and neither can hunger.” In spite of this statement, cold and dampness, and even hunger can be found in her work. Scenes of people living under unbelievable hardships, children being fed by relief agencies, amputees learning new trades, all give a clear picture of Europe’s dire need.
The Exhibition will remain on view through January 18th.
Brooklyn Museum Archives. Records of the Department of Public Information. Press releases, 1947 - 1952. 10-12/1947, 164.
