Item 2020.100.43 - van Laack Face Mask

Identity area

Reference code

2020.100.43

Title

van Laack Face Mask

Date(s)

  • 2020 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1

Context area

Name of creator

(1881-present)

Administrative history

German label which began as a men's shirt manufacturer.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

White cotton sateen 'Community' face mask. There is a small white and grey 'van Laack' label sewn on the front left-hand side of the mask. The mask has loops on each side made of white elasticated material to go over the ears. It has three layers, without a pocket for a filter.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

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      Physical characteristics and technical requirements

      Small white van Laack logo label sewn on front and care label sewn on the inside layer of the mask.
      Made in Germany.
      Materials: Mask 100% cotton
      Measurements:
      Width 26 cm
      Height 14 cm

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      Notes area

      Note

      This mask was given to van Laack employees as protective workwear that would also match the dress code of the company. It was donated to the archive by one of the company's tailors.

      Note

      Information from a photograph of the masks on Getty Images Europe website:
      The German luxury brand van Laack is well known for manufacturing high-quality shirts and blouses since 1881 and in May 2020 had switched to the production of consumer clothing, including protective face masks. 'It was and is ultimately about providing large quantities of masks for the population - and at an acceptable price. Because health is there for everyone', said Christian von Daniels, owner of van Laack. In April alone, van Laack produced 12 million masks in their Vietnam production plant and brought them to Germany. In May the company will import up to 20 million masks. The Community Mask is a 3-layer reusable mask for the mouth and nose area. 'I can well imagine that the mask will become a permanent accessory, such as sunglasses, An awareness about future viruses and infections should be significantly increased by the novel coronavirus', said von Daniels. In May, Germany introduced a nationwide requirement that people must wear masks in shops and while using public transport.

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      Dates of creation revision deletion

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          Accession area