Romy Dekkers

DUST FROM THE PAST

Family businesses hold a special place in Dutch history. Not only economically but also as a unifying force in society. They create employment, shape a city, and ensure continuity. The Rijssen weaving and spinning factory Ter Horst & Co. is a powerful example of this.

Founded in the 19th century, Ter Horst grew into one of the largest textile manufacturers in the country. The factory employed thousands of people, men, women, and even children. For generations, their daily lives were synchronised with the rhythm of the looms. But Ter Horst was more than just an employer. The company gave the city a park, a music club, a bathhouse, and football clubs. For many Rijssen residents, working with colleagues in the factory became a family in itself.

Yet, there's a dark side to the story. Conditions were harsh: dusty halls, noisy machinery, and limited safety. And as the world modernised, Ter Horst lost ground. The rise of plastics and the metal industry, along with economies of scale, made it difficult for traditional family businesses to survive. In the 1970s, the curtain fell: the factory closed, and with it, for many, their work, routine, and community disappeared.

This installation explores and depicts the impact of such a company's disappearance. Through personal stories from former employees like Hannah, Gerdien, and Jan, the social, demographic, and emotional consequences become tangible. The carousel-like design invites visitors to move through the past, literally. A timeline, images, objects, and interactive elements bring the story to life.

The project poses one central question: Is it possible to make the impact of the disappearance of a family business tangible?

The conclusion is a resounding yes. Not only in memories, but also in the scars and changes in the cityscape, social life, and the identity of a community. This installation is an attempt not to make that memory disappear, but to hold on to it, like fibres in a jute thread.