The child with ink stains

The year is 1892. Senne, an 11-year-old boy, is a child laborer. Like many other children, he works in one of the printing shops in Turnhout. The work is hard and grueling, and the days are long. The ink from the machines sticks indelibly to his clothes, his hands, and his skin.

During what was supposed to be an ordinary workday, Senne unwittingly sets off a series of events with major consequences...

The Ink-Stained Child is a story of exploitation and injustice, but also of resistance, courage, and the will to change the course of history.

It was in the 19th century that Turnhout reached its peak as an industrial city. With today’s city as a backdrop, The Ink-Stained Child takes you back to that turbulent period. Ten imposing murals bring Senne’s world to life in a unique street art experience.

The Ink-Stained Child is a production by Musea Turnhout, in collaboration with writer Paul Govaerts and comic book author Dido Drachman. Together, they have created the very first comic book set against the backdrop of the city.