16. Red Cross Blankets (2023) – Laura Fisher

2023. Knitted blankets,100% combed cotton yarn, 80 x 136 cm, 150 x 250 cm 

These knitted blankets are based on telegrams and letters
in the Holocaust Centre North Archive. Often sent through
organisations like the Red Cross, these brief messages were
sometimes the only way for people imprisoned in concentration
camps to reach their loved ones.
Though limited in words, the messages carried deep feelings—of
warmth, hope, and solidarity. Faithfully magnified in the form of
knitted blankets, the artwork gives physical presence to these
fragile connections, with the aim of honouring the human need for
closeness in the face of separation and uncertainty.

MILLIONEN KÜSSE AUCH EUER BRUDER. Mama
With thanks to Michelle Green, courtesy of Holocaust Centre North Archive.

English translation:
Dearest children. I’m very
worried, last message from
March. We’re all healthy. I
hope you are too. Message
from Dad: A million kisses.
Your brother too, Mum.

Telegram donated by second-generation Holocaust survivor, Michelle Green.
Michelle’s grandmother Gisella sent this telegram from Belgium to Michelle’s aunt, Aranka
in Harrogate. Aranka, along with Michelle’s mother, Lili, came to the UK to work in domestic
service in 1938-1939. Tragically, the family left behind, including Michelle’s grandparents,
Gisella and Josef, as well as her uncle Kurt, were murdered in Auschwitz in 1944.
Holocaust Centre North Archive, courtesy of Michelle Green.

Heaps of love kisses yours henry mendel
With thanks to Rachel Mendel, courtesy of Holocaust Centre North Archive.

Hast du nicht Schnackerl?
With thanks to the the Kubie family, courtesy of Holocaust Centre North Archive.

23.4.34
With thanks to the Kubie family, courtesy of Holocaust Centre North Archive.

To wish you a prosperous life
With thanks to the Kubie family, courtesy of Holocaust Centre North Archive.