Not long ago, less than 200 years, when there was no photography yet, it was hard to imagine what had happened around the world. There were of course newspapers writing about it. But without pictures or paintings! So early in 19th century, when lithography had been invented, smart printers in Neuruppin decided to use this new method which allowed easy and cheap printing, to have drawings of historical events and interesting topics printed, coloured by women and children working at home (for very low salaries), and sent to shops all over Europe where they were sold for 3 Pfennig the piece. Not much, but a servant or a farmer's maid had to work a day or more to buy one.
So they were very proud to have one or two of these prints in the family, and were envied by the neighbours.
The publishers made a fortune, and Neuruppin became famous throughout Europe. Unfortunately they were well known also for their poor knowledge of foreign languages. Even today in Denmark very poor danish is called "ruppinsk". ;)
But have a look for yourself and admire the often marvellously drawn, printed, and coloured pieces here!
How comes I know about all this? I went to an exhibition at Mediengalerie in the printers' house at Dudenstraße last night. And they told me!
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