POWDER TO THE PEOPLE
Pain relief is timeless. Around 1900, synthetic medicines ushered in a new era, and so-called headache powders also emerged as leading medicines throughout the 20th century. In many households and factories, ‘the powders’ – often from Het Witte Kruis or Dr. Mann – were as indispensable as daily bread. They were regarded as absolute all-rounders: pain-relieving and fever-reducing, stimulating and calming. In particular, women and female workers became addicted, and excessive use led to fatal kidney damage.
'Powder to the people' recalls the forgotten history of these popular powders. Browse through undiscovered archival documents and colourful advertisements from flourishing family businesses. Take a look behind the scenes of the emerging kidney dialysis centres. Discover the fascinating stories of consumers and their families. Contemporary artists, experts and a group of students offer their own distinctive approach to the theme.
The exhibition presents a range of perspectives and gives voice to previously unheard viewpoints. In this way, a banal box of analgesics gives insight into a fraught history and a broader story. Topical issues such as women’s health, addiction and Big Pharma are never far away. What do we need today to cope with daily life and work?
GUIDED TOURS
Guided tours in French or English are available on request. Please send an email to info@industriemuseum.be and we will discuss the options with you.
Powder to the people is a collaboration between Helena Elshout – theater maker and descendant of the producer of Het Witte Kruis powders – and the Museum of Industry, CC Sint-Niklaas, Erfgoedcel Waasland, ErfgoedLab Antwerpen, ETWIE, MAP – Musea Aan het Park, Stadsarchief Sint-Niklaas, the Flemish Expertise Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs and the University of Antwerp, with the support of het Flemish Government.