How Germany Remembers

As part of this year's Chelsea History Festival, Angela Findlay discusses Germany's unique post-Second World War process of remembrance, expressed through 'counter memorials' by artists in key locations.

How do you express national guilt and apology rather than pride and patriotism? How do you remember what you would rather forget?

In Britain, little is known about Germany's unique process of remembrance after the Second World War. With traditional forms of memorial deemed irrelevant and inappropriate, German artists sought new ways to honour the victims of one of history’s darkest periods.

The ensuing and ongoing 'counter memorial' movement places extraordinary art forms in key locations, encouraging visitors to take personal responsibility for keeping the memories and lessons of the past alive.

Here, Anglo-German artist, lecturer and writer Angela Findlay explores the challenging, moving and inspiring results.