Steenkolenmijn Wilhelmina in Terwinselen c. 1906 - 1920

Johan Joachim Cohnen captured the Steenkolenmijn Wilhelmina in Terwinselen with his camera. Cohnen lived through a transformative period marked by industrial growth and social change. This image encapsulates the monolithic presence of industry, which often overshadowed the human element. The mine, a symbol of progress and prosperity, also represents the labor, struggles, and sacrifices of the working class. The black and white tones evoke a sense of the past and the arduous conditions endured by miners, whose identities were often subsumed by their work. It invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between industrial advancement, labor, and the environment. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of how our pursuit of resources shapes communities and individual lives. The mine stands as a stark reminder of the intersection of human effort and the environment, prompting us to consider the legacies we leave behind.