Introduction

Prompted by a number of remarkable recent acquisitions, Unspeakable is the first opportunity to see together the very different artistic perspectives encompassed in the Imperial War Museum's collection of art relating to the Nazi persecution of the Jews of Europe.

The paintings of the British war artists who documented the aftermath of the liberation of the camps are shown alongside the art produced by survivors, now living in this country, who were only able to find a visual language after many years, as well as the work of contemporary artists rediscovering the subject.

Many of these acquisitions have been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund, by a number of exceptional private donations and by the artists themselves. In addition, the Heritage Lottery Fund has supported the exhibition and the education programme. The Museum is grateful for these generous contributions.