Exhibit showcasing jewellery from the museum, themed around Herta Gebhart at a virtual platform
The Jewellery Museum Pforzheim is presenting a unique virtual exhibition, taking visitors on a captivating journey through the life and works of fashion designer Herta Gebhart. The exhibition, which can be accessed through this link, consists of six polygonal rooms, connected by trapezoidal passages, each offering a glimpse into different aspects of Gebhart's career.
As you step into the first room, the sound of a mechanical typewriter fills the air, creating an office at the end of the war ambiance. This room showcases Gebhart's early beginnings as a metallographer, her transition to fashion school in Frankfurt, and her subsequent self-employment with her husband, Friedrich Gebhart, a goldsmith.
The exhibition takes a turn in the second room, where the sound of a train arriving and a French announcement suggest a visit to Paris. Here, you'll find elegantly cut dresses, precisely combined with accessories such as bags, umbrellas, hats, and wigs, all accentuated with extravagant jewellery by Friedrich Gebhart.
The exhibition was conceptualized by Katja Poljanac, Kay Prühs, and Cornelie Holzach, and it reflects the spirit of the 1960s and '70s, with a futuristic feel. Herta Gebhart's voice, taken from a WDR interview in 2010, guides visitors through the exhibition, serving as a link between her stories and the virtual exhibits. Background noises in each room enhance her voice, creating an auditory space that adds to the overall experience.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the exhibition is the jewellery-dress combinations that Herta Gebhart tailored to herself, which were later awarded. These creations are featured throughout the exhibition, showcasing her innovative approach to fashion.
While detailed information about a potential virtual photo exhibition dedicated to Gebhart or the role of Kay Pruhs in this exhibition is scarce in publicly indexed sources, it is clear that the Jewellery Museum Pforzheim's virtual exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in fashion history and design. The exhibition can be viewed in different virtual rooms in just ten minutes, making it an accessible and engaging experience for all.
In the third room, the exhibit immerses visitors in the vibrant world of 'fashion-and-beauty', displaying the fusion of clothing and extravagant 'jewellery' that characterized Herta Gebhart's innovative designs. In the final room, a stark contrast is presented, focusing on 'technology' and 'lifestyle', showcasing the adaptation of Gebhart's designs to incorporate advancements in materials and production techniques, reflecting the spirit of the later years of her career.
