Hanger private museum director: Matthias Dülp and his fascinating collection
In der malerischen Fränkischen Schweiz, genauer gesagt in Etlaswind, lebt ein Mann, der eine Leidenschaft für ein Objekt entwickelt hat, das die meisten von uns für selbstverständlich halten: den Kleiderbügel. Matthias Dülp, gelernter Schreiner und Restaurator, bezeichnet sich selbst scherzhaft als "Kleiderbügelprivatmuseumsdirektor". Seine Sammlung umfasst mittlerweile über 7.000 verschiedene Kleiderbügel, die er akribisch archiviert und erforscht. Doch was bewegt jemanden dazu, so etwas Alltägliches zu sammeln? Die Antwort ist ebenso faszinierend wie die Sammlung selbst.
Motivation: from boredom to fascination
Many people initially react with incomprehension: "Collecting clothes hangers? That's boring and stupid!" But Matthias Dülp sees it very differently. For him, clothes hangers are not just practical utensils for storing clothes, but also evidence of history, craftsmanship and technology. "Nothing was as interesting as these hangers," emphasises Dülp, who sees them as far more than simple everyday objects.
The first hanger: an accidental find with a big impact
His collection started by chance. While clearing out his parents-in-law's house, Dülp came across some old clothes hangers with interesting inscriptions. He didn't want to simply throw them away and took them home with him. What started out as a practical decision quickly developed into a passion. These hangers brought back memories of his childhood and youth, and so Dülp began to research the history behind these objects.
The discovery of the first coat hangers at a flea market
Another key moment occurred at a flea market in Bamberg. Under a bridge, Dülp discovered a box of old clothes hangers, some of which were labelled Bamberg companies. This discovery was the second reason for him to seriously expand his collection. From then on, he regularly visited flea markets and social department stores, always on the lookout for new and unusual hangers.
The diversity of the clothes hanger collection
Today, Matthias Dülp's collection comprises more than 7,000 different clothes hangers. These are made from a wide variety of materials such as wood, cardboard, plastic, metal or fabric and serve a wide range of purposes. There are special hangers for diving suits, gowns, X-ray capes, pet clothes, wigs and dolls. The shapes and designs of the hangers are just as varied as their materials.
Historical and technical insights
For Dülp, the historical and technical aspects of clothes hangers are a particular attraction. For example, his collection includes MAWA hangers from the GDR, which are characterised by their unique technology. Other hangers feature ornate decorations or advertising inscriptions that provide an insight into the fashion and everyday history of past decades.
The importance of clothes hangers
Clothes hangers are far more than just objects of daily use. They reflect the history of fashion, materials and technology and provide information about social and economic developments. Many of the hangers in Dülp's collection bear inscriptions that enable him to trace their origin and history. This motivates him to go on a veritable search for clues, which takes him to archives, museums and even the patent office.
The stories behind the hangers
One particularly fascinating aspect of the collection are the stories behind the individual hangers. For example, there are special hangers for Catholic chasubles from the 19th century, the origins of which Dülp has meticulously researched. The company histories, such as that of MAWA, which was able to survive even against the competition from China, are also of great interest to Dülp.
The private clothes hanger museum: a place full of treasures
Matthias Dülp has set up a small private museum in Etlaswind in which he presents his collection. Every new acquisition is photographed, recorded and categorised according to the relevant subject area. The museum is equipped with clothes rails up to the ceiling, on which the various hangers hang. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of clothes hangers and discover their diversity and history.
Germany's only collection of clothes hangers
Matthias Dülp's collection is unique in Germany. The number and variety of hangers he has collected is impressive. Each hanger tells its own story and documents a piece of contemporary history. Many of the pieces are true works of art that not only impress with their functionality, but also with their aesthetics.
A life for clothes hangers
Matthias Dülp's collection began with a chance find, but it quickly developed into a life's work. Dülp spends a lot of time looking for new hangers - be it at flea markets, in second-hand shops or on the internet. Some of his treasures look more like works of art and are far too good to hang unnoticed in a dark cupboard.
The future of clothes hangers: consistency and change
Matthias Dülp takes a positive view of the future of clothes hangers. Despite the competition from China, MAWA, a German manufacturer of clothes hangers, can still hold its own. Dülp hopes that this will remain the case in the future. The classic wooden clothes hanger may have been replaced by modern wardrobe solutions in many households, but Dülp is convinced that clothes hangers are here to stay.
An unusual hobby with a lot of history and dedication
Matthias Dülp's passion for clothes hangers may seem unusual at first glance, but it reveals a fascinating world full of stories and history. His private museum in Etlaswind is a place that shows how a supposedly banal everyday object can become an important collector's item. Once you have taken a look at this collection, you will see clothes hangers with completely different eyes.
