‘Discover the secrets of the Cold War’, former Airforce base Soesterberg, The Netherlands

Situated inside the command centre this chamber poses as a classroom. On the wall are a series of placards with comparisons between two publications. One published in The Netherlands and the other in the former Soviet Union. These booklets gave instructions on how to act in case of an atomic attack. In the Netherlands, it was provided to every household it was distinctly formal but was largely not taken seriously. In sharp contrast to the Soviet Union, where loose posters were shown to the general public, presented during special lectures in bunkers. This material was much more vivid and visual, reflecting the need to educate mostly illiterate audiences.

My intention is to create new learning materials by these series of visually collaged placards, which recollect the different ways in which the threat of nuclear war was envisioned.