Living with the Wall: Berlin 1961-1989 2009-Dec-10

Celebrating 20 years of freedom, A8 media is promoting the Living with the Wall: Berlin 1961-1989 exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, Imperial War Museum North in Manchester presents a small but powerful display of more than 20 photographs, many of which will be on display for the first time.

Images from the Imperial War Museum’s Photograph Archive illustrate of one of the most remarkable stories in the modern history of Europe. Living with the Wall: Berlin 1961-1989 marks these momentous events and reflects on 28 years of a divided city.

Highlights of the display:

• The evolution of the Wall from primitive barbed wire barricade to modern fortification and artist′s inspiration.
• Images captured by German photojournalists illustrate the impact on the people of Berlin as families were separated or sought to escape the restrictions imposed on them.
• Photographs taken by British Army Photographers, never before displayed to the public, document the confrontation between the East and the West.
• The momentous days when East and West were reunited are depicted by the image of a solitary child chipping away at the Wall with a chisel.

To coincide with Living with the Wall: Berlin 1961-1989, a checkpoint sign signaling the end of the British zone will go on public display in Imperial War Museum North′s Main Exhibition Space. It will be the first time the public have been able to view the sign since it was in use in Berlin.

A searchlight, believed to be the only survivor of 302 originally mounted on watchtowers along the Berlin Wall, sits next to a piece of the Wall itself in the Museum. A classic Cold War Trabant car, an East German riot shield and visor, and a Daily Telegraph newspaper from 14 August 1961 are also on permanent display.

Children can also race to Checkpoint Charlie thanks to a child friendly Action Station, based on Cold War Berlin. The fun and interactive game allows youngsters to find out what life in a divided city was like when friends and family could have been on the other side of the Wall.

Living with the Wall Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
12 September 2009 – 21 March 2010. FREE. www.iwm.org.uk/north