Suitcase stories: Willemine's journey by Tja Ling Hu

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Suitcase stories: Willemine's journey by Tja Ling Hu

Willemine in Irkoetysk

Many of the suitcases that are part of the Fenix collection tell a story about their owner. Like the suitcase of Willemine, who broke through boundaries by leaving her husband in 1911 and boarding the Trans-Siberian Express. Illustrator Tja Ling Hu has depicted the story of Willemine in four drawings.

Willemine door Tja Ling Hu
Willemine is twenty years old when she marries Thomas in 1898. The marriage is conducted remotely: Willemine lives in the Netherlands, but Thomas lives in China. After the wedding, Willemine leaves by boat to go to her husband. The journey takes six weeks.
Willemine door Tja Ling Hu
On arrival, Willemine’s new husband is waiting for her at the harbour. Willemine and her husband settle in Tianjin, and together they have four children. It soon becomes apparent that Thomas is not faithful to Willemine.
Willemine door Tja Ling Hu
Willemine decides to leave her husband in 1911. She packs her things and boards the Trans-Siberian Express, along with her children, their nanny and a suitcase. Willemine travels by train via Irkutsk to Moscow. How exactly Willemine travels from Moscow to the Netherlands is not known.
Willemine door Tja Ling Hu
After a long journey, Willemine arrives in the Netherlands. She builds a new life in The Hague and becomes active in the women’s movement. She protests for women’s suffrage, which becomes a reality in 1917.

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