Steel against the sky, a monument to industry. That is the Fördergerüst des Bergwerks Zollern II. Imagine, if you will, the sheer scale of ambition that birthed this “castle of labour”.
The Zollern II/IV Colliery was projected in 1898. It was to be a model colliery. The Gelsenkirchener Bergwerks-AG wanted to show prosperity. Construction began from the ground up. It was on a new site. Most buildings used solid brickwork. The architect was Paul Knobbe. The work finished in 1904. The central engine house was complete. It housed state-of-the-art generators. It also had advanced machinery. The architecture shows a transition. It goes from Gothic-revival to Art Nouveau. It shows the industrialization of the early 1900s.
But why such grandeur for a coal mine? Major mining companies wanted to underline their leadership. They wanted to attract investors. Investors are more likely to invest in solid companies. Hence the model collieries showed off prosperity.
Now, look closely at the engine house of the Fördergerüst des Bergwerks Zollern II. It was built under deadline pressure. The central engine house has an iron framework. It has red brickwork infilling. The Gutehoffnungshütte planned and executed it. Berlin architect Bruno Möhring designed the Art Nouveau entrance. It features lead glazing of blue and green glass.
Inside, a counterpart to the entrance exists. It is a large control board. It has polished marble in brass mounting. A brass clock hangs above. Other buildings add to the site’s appeal. There are administration bureaus. Also, a blacksmith’s shop and carpenter’s shop exist. Find a first-aid and fire station with stable here. There are pithead baths and tools store. Also, see the central gateway.
Interestingly, the original pit frames were scrapped before 1969. But don’t despair. Two similar constructions came from other collieries. They were reconstructed on this site in the 1980s.
Step back and observe the Fördergerüst des Bergwerks Zollern II. See how the symmetry of the two winding towers commands attention. Note the large-scale green courtyard. It is flanked by imposing side buildings. The Fördergerüst des Bergwerks Zollern II documents a transition. It goes from historicism to Art Nouveau.
In 1969, three years after closure, the colliery was recognized. It became Germany’s first technical building monument. It gained international importance. Since 1981, it has been the Westphalian Industrial Museum headquarters. The museum is an anchor point. It sits on the European Route of Industrial Heritage. The museum is part of the Route der Industriekultur.
The Zollern II/IV colliery became a demonstration. The company was the Ruhrgebiet’s largest mining enterprise. Renowned architects designed it. It was equipped with the most up-to-date technology.
Today, the Fördergerüst des Bergwerks Zollern II stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the past. It shows the arduous lives of miners. It offers insight into industrial might. A testament to innovation. A beacon of heritage. The Fördergerüst des Bergwerks Zollern II.