How many cigars could a skilled worker produce in a day? If you’re standing here before the Die Zigarrenmacher, you might be surprised by the answer. This bronze sculpture group, created by Holger Voigts in 1984, depicts the Bremen cigar makers of the 19th century. It’s a poignant reminder of a time when Bremen was a hub for German tobacco imports, and the Neustadt area thrived with the industry. Each figure in the Die Zigarrenmacher represents a stage in the cigar-making process. You can see the stripping of the leaves, the rolling of the tobacco, and the final pressing. Look closer and you’ll notice the details Voigts captured: the different ages, the monotony of their work, even a space left open for the “Vorleser,” who would read to the workers to break the silence. These workers were incredibly efficient, producing up to 1,000 cigars each in a grueling 12-14 hour day. This monument isn’t just about cigars, it’s about the lives of these workers. They organized, formed unions, even pooled their wages to pay for a reader to educate themselves. The Die Zigarrenmacher is a tribute to their dedication, skill, and enduring spirit.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to