Herkomer Museum

Nestled in the charming town of Landsberg am Lech in Bavaria, Germany, the Herkomer Museum offers a delightful journey into the life and legacy of the illustrious artist Hubert von Herkomer. This captivating museum is housed in the former residence of the Herkomer family, providing a unique glimpse into the world of a man whose talents spanned painting, filmmaking, and even automotive innovation.

The History of the Herkomer Museum

The roots of the Herkomer Museum stretch back to 1926, when a modest collection of graphics and paintings by Hubert von Herkomer was first made available to the public in the Landsberg Town Hall. Following Herkomer's death in 1914, his widow, Margaret von Herkomer, alongside the town of Landsberg, established the Herkomer Foundation in 1929. Their mission was to preserve and celebrate the works of this remarkable artist, many of which were created right in Landsberg.

The foundation's assets included not only Herkomer's extensive artistic collection but also the Herkomer estate, complete with the residential house and the iconic Mother Tower. Margaret was granted lifelong residency rights, and until her passing in 1934, she continued to enrich the foundation with additional works and mementos from her husband's legacy.

Post World War II, the Herkomer estate became home to the city archives and museum, while the Herkomer collection remained housed in the town hall. It wasn't until the 1970s that the city undertook renovations on the Mother Tower, transforming it into a memorial site dedicated to Herkomer. In 1987, following the relocation of the city museum, the ground floor of the residential house was converted into the Herkomer Museum.

After a significant renovation and redesign effort costing approximately 1.38 million euros, the Herkomer Museum was reopened on October 24, 2015, offering a refreshed and engaging experience for visitors.

Exploring the Museum's Exhibits

The permanent exhibition, aptly titled A Man of Many Parts, highlights the diverse talents of Hubert von Herkomer. As a self-taught artist, traditionalist, and creative visionary, Herkomer's journey is chronicled from his family's emigration from America to England, through his artistic training in Munich and London, to his work as an illustrator for the London weekly, The Graphic.

One of the museum's standout pieces is Herkomer's acclaimed painting The Last Muster, which earned him a gold medal at the 1878 Paris World Exposition, marking the beginning of his illustrious career as a portrait painter. This success catapulted Herkomer into the social elite, and his works have been celebrated ever since.

The museum showcases a variety of Herkomer's drawings, prints, and paintings, including charming childhood sketches, poignant portraits, self-portraits, and scenes depicting his Bavarian homeland. A dedicated room explores Herkomer's wide-ranging interests and enthusiasm for the technological innovations of his time. He was known to use a phonograph to teach his students, experimented with printmaking techniques, and dabbled in acting, theater, and film production. Notably, Herkomer was an early adopter of the automobile and even initiated the Herkomer Competition, a motor race whose third iteration in June 1907 passed by the current museum site in Landsberg.

The Enchanting Mother Tower

The Mother Tower, connected to the former residence by a wooden passageway, serves as both an exhibit and an exhibition space within the museum. It exemplifies Herkomer's connection to the Arts and Crafts movement, with its windows, doors, wall and ceiling paneling, and furniture largely preserved in their original state. The tower bears the motto propriis alis (on one's own wings or by one's own efforts), a testament to Herkomer's self-reliance and creativity. The exhibition within the tower includes sketches and photographs detailing the construction and architecture of this unique structure.

The Herkomer Estate Grounds

The museum is set on a sprawling 7,000-square-meter estate that once housed a paper mill. After constructing the Mother Tower, Herkomer transformed the grounds into a picturesque English-style landscape garden. Visitors can wander among the pond, winding paths, and stream, discovering tuff stone columns, benches, a drinking water fountain, and a building originally used as a washhouse, designed in the form of a chapel. The park is open to the public, offering a serene escape into nature.

The Herkomer Museum is more than just a tribute to a multifaceted artist; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the enduring impact of one man's vision. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this charming museum in Landsberg am Lech promises a rich and rewarding experience.