Inspiration is around the corner : Experience a selection of the best of German craftsmanship through Homo Faber Guide

 

• Looking to discover Germany through new eyes?
• Searching for a one-of-a-kind bespoke handcrafted object?
• Curious to learn of Sebastian Herkner’s best kept addresses?
• Eager to see the rare skills of a straw marquetry maker?
• Would you like to try your hand at hat making or wheel throwing?

Homo Faber Guide places the world of fine craftsmanship in Europe at your fingertips. Experience excellence with access to a selection of the best master artisans, rising talents, galleries, ateliers, manufacturers and museums from all over the continent. The guide is created in collaboration with the international network of the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship which provides local expertise, recommends, evaluates and endorses featured participants.

Rediscover Germany in a new light, revisiting your favourite places, enriched by new encounters and experiences. Follow the recommendations of our carefully selected German city ambassadors and prestigious ambassador institutions to find hidden gems as they share the craftsmanship found on their doorsteps. Wherever you are in Germany, find courses around the corner to express your own creativity.

First to Berlin, where contemporary design visions are colliding with unique craftsmanship skills. Tucked away in a small side street is the workshop of straw marquetry maker, Tabea Vietzke, learn how she is reviving this rare and ancient craftsmanship. Be blown away by the illuminated plastic sculptures of Marlies von Soden, made using an extruder on molten plastic. From plastic to paper, go in search of Lacy Barry and her extraordinary paper creations, exploding with colour and defined by detail. Visit a host of new galleries and their unique collections; at Brutto Gusto marvel at the remarkable array of vessels and flowers, whilst at noon.schmuck und produkt choose a special piece of handcrafted jewellery. For porcelain enthusiasts, take a trip south to Dresden to see the incredible collection of Porzellansammlung, housed in the Zwinger palatial complex. On the way, visit the legendary Meissen porcelain manufacturer.

Head to Frankfurt, to see the city and surrounding region through the eyes of designer, Sebastian Herkner. He will send you in search of jewellery maker, Marc-Jens Biegel and his colourful gemstone creations. For music lovers, a must-see is the workshop of guitar maker, Jens Ritter whose exceptional guitars have made it into the hands of Prince, Lady Gaga and been exhibited at the MET, New York. From vintage brocade, lacquer and Swarovski crystals, the finishes are dazzling. Discover the secret behind perpetuating a family tradition, at the workshop of fourth generation lapidary, Hans-Ulrich Pauly. A special occasion on the horizon, venture to the atelier of milliner, Charlotte Kollmann, to create your own hat, upon the recommendation of Zentralverband des Deutschen Handwerks.

 
Take the road south to Munich and find yourself at the workshop of ceramicist, Christine Wagner, where you can admire her stoneware vessels, influenced by Japan. From there, skip across the city to Galerie für Angewandte Kunst, to catch a glimpse of their ever-changing collection of eclectic objects. Venture west to the Black Forest near Gechingen and stumble across wood sculptor, Lars Zech, who sources all his raw materials from naturally-felled trees. Marvel at his sculptures which evoke the human form while highlighting the wood’s intrinsic characteristics. Take a detour to Ludwigsburg where you can try your hand at wheel throwing under the watchful gaze of master ceramicist, Kenji Fuchiwaki. Go further west still to BadenBaden and discover the magic of shoemaking at the workshop of Matthias Vickermann & Martin Stoya, suggested by Meisterstrasse Handmade. 

Create your own unique craftsmanship itinerary
You are the master; the guide is your tool.
From 17 September 2020, visit homofaber.com or download the app available for free on both Apple Store and Google Play Store.

User guide:
Homo Faber Guide is structured into different sections: Discover, Visit, Experience and Ambassadors.
Discover: Find a selection of the best master artisans and rising talents, ateliers and manufacturers of excellence from all over Europe. Connect with them directly through the guide.
Visit: Find museums, galleries and shops linked to fine craftsmanship to visit in all corners of the continent.
Experience: Find a curated list of workshop visits, artisan master classes, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions and fairs across Europe.
Ambassadors: Renowned individuals and partner institutions within the craft, creativity and design world who recommend their favourite artisans, galleries and experiences in their home cities.
Subcategories: search by country, city, craft or material.