Rushen Internment Camp Calf of Man Crucifix design clay tile

Date made: 1941

Maker: Nonnenmacher, Erna

Description: Tile made from clay found at Port Erin by Mrs Erna Nonnenmacher, Rushen Internment Camp. Made February 1941 and fired at Glenfaba Brickworks. Design from the Calf of Man crucifixion stone carving.

In J.R.Bruce's handwriting is the inscription: 'Design based on the "CALF OF MAN CROSS", (8th.c.) by Mrs Nonnenmacher, Rushen Internment Camp, Feb.1941. Made from clay found at Port Erin, and fired at Glenfaba Brick Works, near Peel, April, 1941.'

The roughly square tile is an unglazed fired clay tile with an inscribed design of a complete Calf of Man Crucifixion (but without the two side figures, replaced by simple cross designs).

Records in the HO396 series at the UK National Archives show that Erna Nonnenmacher was born 12-12-1889 (Berlin). In 1938 she lived at 162 Camden Road, London NW1. Occupation: scupltor. Nationality: German. Released from internment 14 Feb 1941 (did not wish to be repatriated). Described as 'refugee', and interned with her husband Herman. The 1939 Register entry differs slightly in that they are shown at 163 Camden Road, living with a British family and their servant. Herman was also a sculptor.

Measurements: overall: 13.5 cm x 12.5 cm x 1 cm

Materials: clay

Object name: tile

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1970-0103

Subject tags : #WW2INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS

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