With Oskar Spiegelhalder’s Black Forest Collection, the Franziskanermuseum possesses a unique archive of this predominantly rural region. Comprising more than 2,600 items—including historical artifacts from the watchmaking trade, glassblowing, traditional costumes, furniture, and numerous other objects—the collection provides an overview of life and work in the Black Forest during the 19th century.
An audio guide complements the exhibition with interesting background information and entertaining anecdotes about the exhibits and their witty and eccentric collector.
For watchmaker Oskar Spiegelhalder of Lenzkirch, documenting traditional Black Forest craftsmanship became his life’s work. Newspapers warned people about him, and the farmers thought he was crazy, because wherever the silhouette wearing a bowler hat appeared, no old chamber pot or wood-shaving box was safe.
