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It’s going to be historical, archaeological, (mostly) cyclable und fun

We are going on a weeks vacation on the other side of the Rhine, which always entails a short moment of hesitation, inhibition, but also a sense of adventure.

The centre of our exploration is going to be Merseburg. While the city itself is an ottonian foundation with some medieval bits left over, we are after older, much older, remains. And Merseburg is smack in the middle of it.

Many of these attractions are within cycling (ebike) distance of our hotel, and if I squint at the weather forecast, the weather might be holding up.

There is also a website for the whole region called Sky Paths which gives an overview of the attractions.

#history #archaeology #vacation #cycling

So dark

With whey, old bread, spelt and pasta madre. 15 min @ 250 C and then 30 min @ falling to 230 C

A loaf of crusty, artisan bread with deep slashes on top is cooling on a wire rack.

#bread #brot #sourdough #LievitoMadre #Sauerteig @brotbacken@fedigroups.social #whey #molke

This one got too wet. I added 50 g of joghurt but didn’t reduce water enough. Very soft dough. It’ll be interesting to taste it.

A loaf of freshly baked bread is resting on a cooling rack.

#bread #brot #sourdough #LievitoMadre #Sauerteig #joghurt @brotbacken@fedigroups.social

On the way back from Raeren I stopped at Töpfereimuseum Langerwehe which is closed for renovations. Have to come back in a year or three.

#HistoryCycle #history #photography #fotografie #steingut #steinzeugkeramik #stoneware #steengoed

Yesterday I drove to #Raeren (pronounced Raaren) to look at some (more) stoneware pottery. Specifically I went here: Töpfereimuseum Raeren

If you’re ever in the area (think Aachen) than it’s WELL worth a visit.

The museum is in a castle.

A stone building with medieval-style architecture is surrounded by trees and a paved path.

Inside a nice collection of Rhenish stoneware and on stoneware production and trade. Raeren traded via Colognes Alter Markt but also served some markets themselves. The relatively close Langerwehe produced stoneware mostly for “local” consumption, Raeren produced mostly for long distance (Hanse) trade.

While picking up some of the popular forms of Rhenish stoneware, eg Bartmann Krüge, they also developed distinctive forms.

A brown, intricately designed jug features a bearded face and embossed medallions on its surface. A Bartmann Krug.

A display case features a collection of ornate pottery, with a large, intricately decorated jug in the foreground.

And here one of the forms used to emboss the jugs (which were produced by the tens of thousands.

A detailed, circular clay boss is displayed on a clear stand with intricate carvings and symbols.

If you were a good (large) customer you got your coat of arms on the jugs, which were also used for religious (pro catholic/protestant) or political messaging. Early propaganda/advertising

Several earthenware jugs and mugs are displayed on glass shelves in a cabinet.

#HistoryCycle #history #photography #fotografie #steingut #steinzeugkeramik #stoneware #steengoed

Location: Langerwehe
Height: 161,3
Coordinates: 50,82 - 6,36
Weather: 18 °C and partly cloudy #checkin

Location: Raeren
Height: 286,7
Coordinates: 50,68 - 6,12
Weather: 17 °C and partly cloudy #checkin

Tuesday, some history

We visited the LVR Landesmuseum Bonn as they have a smallish collection of Rhenish stoneware

They are also part of the Bartmann goes global project, which I’m following somewhat precariously.

Anyhow, this is what they have to say about stoneware

A display provides information in both German and English about Rhenish stoneware, covering its characteristics, production, and museum exhibition.

Paraphrasing slightly:

Rhenish stoneware, a variety of clay containers made over 400 years ago, is recognized by its shapes and images. Cups and jugs were especially popular. Rhenish stoneware was sold worldwide, making it a global phenomenon.

Potteries in Cologne, Frechen, Raeren, and Siegburg produced Rhenish stoneware. Soft clay was pressed into molds to create various images, from simple designs like flowers and coats-of-arms to scenes from the Bible or other stories. Finally, the containers were fired in kilns.

Rhenish stoneware is exhibited in museums because it was practical and beautiful. It reflects the people’s desire for both practicality and aesthetics over 400 years ago. Many objects were decorated with pictures, a common practice during that period, even among the less affluent.

A display case features six vintage stoneware jugs of varying shapes and designs, each resting on white pedestals.

A large, ornate belarmine jug with intricate designs and a glazed finish is displayed in a museum setting.

I quite liked the stoneware exhibited and also the rest of the museum, well worth a visit if you are in Bonn.

Next trip to Raeren, originally I wanted to go to Brühl first, but the museum is only open on Sundays, which does not work for the next few weeks. So, Töpfereimuseum Raeren