Andrea Offermann

How a caretaker saved ‘forbidden art’ from the Nazis

Wilhelm Werner works at the Hamburger Kunsthalle – as a caretaker, he knows the artists, helps out with exhibitions and experiences the vibrant art scene at first hand. But when the Nazis begin removing so-called ‘degenerate art’ from the museums and destroying it, Mr Werner makes a courageous decision: He steals seven paintings by the artist Anita Rée from the storeroom and hides them in his staff flat, right inside the Kunsthalle. Despite several searches of the premises, the paintings remain undetected and thus survive the war.

After the war ends, Mr Werner returns the rescued works to the museum. He never spoke publicly about his courageous act – he remained a silent hero. The author, Andrea Offermann, has reconstructed his story through conversations with members of Wilhelm Werner’s family, research in archives and at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, and has turned it into a wonderful children’s book. It tells, in an accessible way, how courageous people are needed in dark times – then as now.

• The true story of a courageous man who stood up to the Nazis in his own way

• An insight into the dark period of Nazi cultural policy and the persecution of ‘degenerate art’

• Suitable for young readers aged 10 and over

• Supplemented with an explanation of the historical background

A moving story about courage, art and moral courage

Carlsen Publishers | 1st edition | With colour illustrations | 112 pages | Dimensions (W/H) 17.3/24.5 cm | 528 g | Language: German