Description

Discover the surprising power of humour in times of war during our exhibition and lecture on The Wipers Times, the legendary trench newspaper from the First World War. In the muddy trenches around Ypres, British soldiers produced a satirical newspaper full of irony, mockery and absurd jokes. Humour became their weapon against fear, hierarchy and propaganda. Two of the newspapers were printed here in the Casemates.

The exhibition illustrates the accompanying lectures (in Dutch) (at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.) with facsimile editions, illustrations and background material, showing how self-mockery and satire made daily life at the front more bearable. Discover the link with Talbot House in Poperinge.

A unique perspective on war, resilience and human creativity. Historical anecdotes, humorously sharp and surprisingly topical.