Transition – an Arduous Task. Promoting Trade in Furtwangen

In the Black Forest the state of Baden supported the education of specialists to manufacture clocks and market the products. Furtwangen developed into a centre for the promotion of trade.

As from 1850, the first German school of clock-making set out to improve the skills of the clockmakers by means of a formal education. Yet, despite renowned instructors from the field of clock-making, such as Lorenz Bob and Jess Hans Martens, the school did not meet its goal. Many students left the school
prematurely, since even with their rudimentary skills they could find work as clockmakers. In late 1863 the school closed its doors.

An area office of the Karlsruhe Trade Building replaced it in 1865, housing a permanent sales exhibit. A library and a collection of models provided information for the clock trade.

In 1877 a school for wood-carving was founded parallel to the reopened school of clock-making. Experts in woodworking were just as important as talented clockmakers when it came to manufacturing ornately decorated clocks.