The Designer Hans Theo Baumann (1924–2016) – In the Beginning Was Glass

The special exhibition presents one of the most influential figures of postwar German design. The designs of Hans Theo Baumann—for porcelain, ceramics, furniture, cutlery, and glass—are timeless icons of leading companies.  Baumann was not only a creative and perfectionist designer, but also had a deep understanding of materials and production processes. A central focus of the exhibition is his collaboration with the architect Egon Eiermann in the design of the stained glass windows for the Matthäuskirche in Pforzheim. In this context, Baumann experimented with so-called thick glass at the Lamberts glassworks in Waldsassen, where he also created various glass vases. Later, he worked together with glassmakers at the furnace of the Süßmuth glassworks in Immenhausen. There, vessels were created with which he also participated in the Coburg Glass Prize in 1977. Throughout his life, glass remained Hans Theo Baumann’s great passion.