Dr Hjelmar von Dannevill

In this recording titled "Dr Hjelmar von Dannevill," Julie Glamuzina discusses the unique and complex life of Dr Hjelmar von Dannevill. Recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, and conducted by Gareth Watkins, it chronicles the life of von Dannevill, who arrived in New Zealand in 1911. The discussion spans across the timeline from the 1890s through to the 1930s, delving into von Dannevill's ambiguous identity, her work in a health home, and her imprisonment on Matiu/Somes Island during World War I due to suspicion of being a German spy.

Von Dannevill was an extraordinary figure whose life was interwoven with issues of gender, clothing and dress reform, national identity during wartime, and health advocacy. The recording begins with an analysis of a photograph that captured von Dannevill’s somewhat masculine clothing style, juxtaposed with a skirt. The clothing style, seen as part of dress reform linked to feminism, was also connected to von Dannevill's attempt to commit suicide before arriving in New Zealand, which necessitated high collars to hide neck marks.

The interview uncovers how von Dannevill, investigated by police and scrutinized over sexual identity and espionage suspicions, faced discrimination during a period of intense anti-German sentiment. Questions about von Dannevill’s gender were prompted not for personal classification but to nullify, control, and contain von Dannevill’s influence under the guise of national security. Despite examinations confirming her female identity, von Dannevill faced ongoing prejudice and her unique dress was only problematized once she were imprisoned.

Glamuzina points out that von Dannevill was part of the late 19th-century feminist wave, advocating practical dress for women that didn't constrain their activities. The recording revisits von Dannevill's arrival in New Zealand, her supposed background, and the scrutiny she faced during World War I due to conflicting information about her nationality, exacerbated by her lack of documentation.

Moreover, the interview discusses how von Dannevill and Edith Huntley, a medical doctor, established a health home in Wellington where von Dannevill worked, promoting healthier living. It also highlights that von Dannevill's significant relationships were exclusively with women and suggests the possibility of romantic and sexual connections, despite the absence of direct evidence of any relationships with men.

Later in the recording, Glamuzina examines von Dannevill's internment experiences, including the solitary confinement among male prisoners, the potential mistreatment on Somes Island, and the advocacy from members of the public for her release.

Ultimately, the interview sheds light on von Dannevill's resilience and continued commitment to health and social advocacy even after intense persecution in New Zealand. It underscores von Dannevill’s complex identity and contributions despite societal challenges, suggesting lessons to be learned from her perseverance and her role in broader historical contexts related to gender, health, and identity.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Julie Glamuzina

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