Dear all,.

»zwischen den Jahren« (between the years) is what we call the time when the Christmas festivities are over and New Year's Eve is approaching. The holidays are over, most of the work of the old year is done, the new year has not yet arrived, and its beginning promises a big party with fireworks, celebrations and friends. Looking back is accompanied by anticipation, sometimes dread and sometimes the peace and quiet of the desk after rounds of family get-togethers. This would also be a good opportunity to jot down some thoughts on the Call for Papers, which has a deadline of 15 January 2025.

In the New Year, all Christmas trees are taken down and away, like the one, which has been standing on the University of Cologne campus since the end of November and can be seen in the left corner of our picture. In the summer, the square between the main and lecture buildings and the Philosophikum will be bright and warm and bustling with people from all over the world. If you can't imagine it now because of the German winter grey, try the magic of the jester's cap and adorn yourself with it.

The marvellous designs by Erna Bergmayer could be an inspiration. Little is known about the artist, but countless costume figurines, including those for the famous Hugo Baruch studio in the early 1920s, that are part of our collection, bear witness to her inspired work. We can all be the jesters of the week or the year - whether cheerful, sentimental or anxious about the new year.

Alaaf - meaning as much as au fou de partout, to fools everywhere, we greet you and looking forward to you!

Mathilde Frank
for the Cologne team