Der Schirmmacher von Baierbrunn | Der Letzte seines Standes

After 15 years, another last of his kind. Filmed in Baierbrunn in 2006, we were able to complete the film in time for Christmas 2023 thanks to generous support. We wish all our fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Georg Dornstädter is an umbrella maker, one of the last of his kind. He practices his craft in the Upper Bavarian village of Baierbrunn, just above the Isar River. He originally wanted to be a car mechanic back in 1951, but there were no apprenticeships available. "Then you'll just have to become an umbrella mender," his mother is said to have told him. The "umbrella mender" became a specialist in the restoration of all kinds of traditional Bavarian umbrellas. He also worked for theaters and opera houses throughout Germany. From his collection, he shows us rare pieces ranging from Rococo with ivory handles to Art Nouveau. An umbrella maker has to be able to do everything, he explains, from woodturning and sewing to intricate metalwork. Whenever a colleague retired, he bought their parts inventory and some of their machines. His basement workshop is also a journey back in time to the history of umbrella making. Every drawer he opens reveals new treasures. He still has parts for every conceivable type of umbrella in stock. His fabric store is a colorful kaleidoscope of materials for covering the most diverse frames. In the film, we watch the master craftsman closely. He begins with the pole, which he heats with fire until it is perfectly straight. Then the fabric strips are cut, using various templates. From his collection, he retrieves a suitable slider and crown, attaching them to the frame. Sewing requires considerable experience to ensure the covering doesn't wrinkle later. Once everything fits, he sews the cover onto the finished frame. Now all that's missing is a suitable handle—an elegant bow made of polished wood. He heats the glue with a flame. Stick and handle are now one. Proudly, the master craftsman turns his work up to the lamplight. With your support, we can create new films about forgotten crafts. Every donation helps us preserve these unique stories and skills for future generations. Let's keep this cultural heritage alive together. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Handwerk...