Handmade in Germany. Manufactory 4.0

Made in Germany, the mark of quality which lends itself to the name of this new book by Pascal Johanssen, refers to the human element in production alongside the term hand. Yet in the twenty-first century, the fundamental processes of change brought about by digitalisation and globalisation are clearly being felt also in the field of handcrafts. Manufactories too are having to reinvent themselves in light of the global market, focusing on the technology of the future and endeavouring to combine the work of art, the vision of a Manufactory 4.0 and the classical concept of the workshop.

Global exchange in real-time, manufacturing with 3D printers and new marketing channels are just a few of the areas of proficiency that facilitate success today, engendering globally networked enterprises oriented towards the human dimension and conceived with sustainable production in mind.

The book Handmade in Germany presents manufactories who are facing up to this evolution in both design and production - be they, small design teams, realising their fashion collections or global players such as Faber-Castell and questioning the very foundations of the prevailing economy. They circumvent the principles of maximum convenience and stand instead for a forward-looking entrepreneurial model where sustainable production is already a reality.

At the same time, the designers are reflecting on what makes them unique and unable to be copied: creativity and expertise. If creative handcrafts succeed in developing new perspectives and in confronting the vicissitudes of the day, then manufactories, craftspeople and designers will become the prototypes for what the post-digital era urgently needs - as it is now already signifying.

The book provides an insight into the practice and future visions of the most significant German manufactories. Pascal Johanssen arranged their unique selling points in such categories as Independence, Authorship, Accountability and Beauty, while the masters of their discipline offer a glimpse into their worlds in detailed interviews, each accompanied by highly aesthetic and informative photographs of the manufactories.

A timely appreciation of the products’ quality and creation, encompassing traditional values such as function and longevity as well as current technology and ethical tenets, unfolds before your very eyes. An exciting look into the future of the manufactory in the twenty-first century.


About Pascal Johanssen:
Pascal Johanssen, born in 1973 in Berlin, is a curator of applied arts. He runs the Direktorenhaus in Berlin, an innovative model of an interface of design, crafts and art. Alongside his work as a gallerist and art dealer, he has developed numerous exhibitions, including the international touring exhibition Handmade in Germany. He has been the chairman of the Crafts Council since 2019.

The German Crafts Council fosters leading designers and manufactories in Germany. It promotes quality makers from Germany both at home and abroad with publications, exhibitions and public relations activities.