Enemy aliens: Stories of displacement

Following the declaration of war in September 1939, the British Government began classifying, then arresting and finally deporting German-speaking and other European nationals who had been long-term residents in the United Kingdom or had sought refuge from National Socialism during the 1930s. Suddenly considered ‘enemy aliens’, often after years living and working in the UK, thousands were arrested and interned, then transported and interned in Canada or Australia.

Presented in connection with the Library’s exhibition Dunera: Stories of Internment, this panel discussion highlights the stories of those who experienced this displacement. Penelope Seidler discusses the experiences of her husband, the esteemed architect Harry Seidler, who was interned in Britain and subsequently deported to Canada; Ed Lippmann details the story of his father, Henry Lippmann, who was deported on the Dunera and faced the challenges of life as an internee; and artist Emil Toonen, who for over 10 years worked closely with Dunera deportee Erwin Fabian, a sculptor, industrial designer and graphic artist. Hosted by co-curator of the Dunera exhibition, Seumas Spark, this discussion explores themes of displacement, identity and resilience, and the lasting impact of these stories and their resonance today.

Free tickets are available for First Nations audience members. Please reach out to us at to book your tickets.

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Host or Publisher State Library of New South Wales