Hand-knitted cardigan made for a child held in an internment camp

Date made: 1940s

Place made: Port Erin

Description: This cardigan belonged to Miss Ingrid Forner, who as a child during the Second World War was interned in the Rushen Internment Camp. It was made by her mother, Mrs Else Forner.

The cardigan is knitted from salmon-pink wool, and has handmade wooden buttons. The buttons were made by the donor’s father, using wood said to have come from Professor Gerhard Bersu’s archaeological excavations.

The cardigan represents the important role which the Isle of Man played in the Second World War, as a place where enemy aliens were held. Even women and children were considered a potential threat to national security. It also illustrates the enormous resourcefulness which many internees displayed; making things which they needed from whatever was to hand.

Measurements: 48 x 130 cm

Materials: wood, wool

Object name: cardigan

Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection

ID Number: 2008-0336

Subject tags : #WW2INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS

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