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Women through time

Discover the indispensable role of women in the Plantin-Moretus printing works in Antwerp. See how their strength, collaboration and flair still inspire today.

Exhibition Plantin-Moretus

Books have always had a special place in my life.

As a child, they were expensive and precious. Literally and figuratively. Because they were expensive, we didn’t have many, and the ones we did have were handled very carefully.

My parents made me put a cover around each book so that the pages would not thumb up. The encyclopedia was only allowed to open in their presence.

Maybe that’s where it started: the realization that books are special.

That fascination recently brought me to the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp. There is an exhibition about the role of women in the printing industry. This exhibition shows how this role has changed over the centuries.

The museum itself is an experience: heavy wooden presses, rows of precious books, quiet archive rooms full of collections.

Collections that preserve writing as a learning process and as a ritual show how traditions such as the New Year’s letter have been passed on for generations.

But that day it was about the exhibition about the admittedly indispensable and powerful, nevertheless invisible women in the printing house.

Indispensable powerful women in the printing industry

Between documents and printing presses, you will discover how indispensable women were in the printing industry. They proofread texts, did the administration, supported the family and made sure the business kept running.

Without them, the printing house could not have existed. In a time officially dominated by men, they managed to create their own terrain, in a quiet way.

The exhibition made me think about the women in my own life. Colleagues, fellow students, friends.

I saw clear patterns: women who sought their own way, were alert and enterprising. Sometimes the collaboration was self-evident, other times there was a subtle undercurrent of competition. And it also happened that it was not exactly that subtle.

But I also saw something else: women who found a balance between their own aspirations and a warm collaboration, who treated each other honestly and openly.

Women among themselves can be bitches, believe me, but also very pleasant.

Different time, same women

My thoughts went back to three friends from my college days who have become powerful, successful women.

All three were smooth, charming, smart and confident. Moreover, they had a natural look and got along with everyone. Not surprising that they have made it far in the business world.

What I noticed about these three women. As well as with other people I’ve known. Their success came from more than just intellect. It came at least as much from their social flair, their charisma, and their ability to move smoothly through their environment.

Nowadays they call it ‘networking’.

To me, however, it feels like there is often a little too much emphasis on that in this day and age. This means that other valuable qualities are sometimes underexposed.

Qualities such as sincere cooperation seem to fade into the background a bit. After all, it’s not just about making contacts or taking advantage of opportunities. It is also important to listen to each other and make real connections.

Recognition behind the scenes

You probably know a few in your life. Or maybe you are one.

‘Invisible’ women who were generous with their service and persistent commitment.

Who may not have the same smooth talk or natural charisma as their friends. Yet they work behind the scenes with conviction for years, just like the women in the printing company.

Just like them, making sure things keep moving.

Work doesn’t have to be big or loud to be valuable.

The museum visit showed me that these kinds of qualities are timeless. For generations, it has been precisely these traits that have helped companies, families and projects move forward.

A timeless line

That day it seemed as if there is a timeless line connecting the women in the Plantin-Moretus Museum with the women of our time. With our peers, and today’s young people who are just starting to chart their own path.

People who understand that success is not just about what you achieve, but especially about how you do it.

And that is precisely where the beauty of the story about the women lies. Both those of then and those of today.

If you were or are such an invisible woman, and would like to share your story, feel free to send it to me.

You can find more of these stories on my site under ‘recent posts‘.

Emma