I had heard a lot about the German textile artist Charlotte Sehmisch. I knew a few people who had reported on her courses and proudly showed their beautiful objects. They were enthusiastic and talked about the complex technique. At some point, I also wanted to take a course with her. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Charlotte Sehmisch died suddenly and unexpectedly in December 2024.
Charlotte Sehmisch’s circle of friends organized an exhibition in the university library of the Bauhaus University in Weimar in honour of the “Master of Felt Art”. Charlotte Sehmisch studied and later taught at the former University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Weimar, Germany. She then concentrated on textiles and felt and became a fashion designer at the University of Art and Design Halle (Burg Giebichenstein). She last lived in Weimar. She became world-famous in felting circles for the unique reservation, plaice and lamella technique she developed and which she mastered like no other. Numerous pieces of her work and photos of her career are on display in Weimar until July 12, 2025 in the library on three floors.
Even the exhibition venue is special. The library building in Weimar was opened in 2005 on the site of a former brewery and even received the Thuringian State Prize for Architecture and Urban Design.
By using lots of wood, glass and plants, the building radiates an incredible sense of calm, concentration, openness and serenity. It is a peaceful place where Charlotte’s works can be found. They harmonize perfectly with the atmosphere of this building. The large windows allow a perfect staging of light and shadow – exactly what Charlotte Sehmisch intended with her felt art.
Her works are installed in the library in such a way that they can be viewed up close and from different angles. This is helpful to be able to marvel at the special technique and materials. Many different works have found their way to Weimar: Hats, bags, belts, items of clothing and murals.
To read the article in full and see all images open the attachment.
Article by Silke Koch
Edited by Nadia Rein
Photo credits:
1-8 Silke Koch
9 Frieder Glatzer
10 and 12 Susanne Weber
11 Sawatou Mouratidou.
Article by SIlke Koch, Region 15