The exhibition approaches the subject of family businesses from a novel perspective – allowing business figures and their families to 'speak' for themselves: letters, memoirs, wills, and business protocols from the late 18th century to the 1960s afford insights into the motives behind the actions of businesspeople and their family members. In 25 very personal stories, taken from 13 different family businesses, the goals, desires, and obligations of the various stakeholders come to life and prove to be surprisingly contemporary.
The very central, everyday event – shared meals together – is at the centre of the presentation.