Dragobert d’Hoesch, a name whispered with respect. It echoes through Dortmund’s history. Here, before the Dragobert d’Hoesch Sculpture, we unearth a tale of industry and legacy. The sculpture, crafted by Almut Rybarsch-Tarry in 2012, stands as a concrete testament to the man whose family shaped Dortmund’s industrial landscape. Dragobert d’Hoesch, a descendant of Leopold Hoesch, carried the torch of the Hoesch AG dynasty. This company, once a titan of steel and mining, employed a significant portion of Dortmund’s population. It left an indelible mark on the city’s identity. The Hoesch family’s roots in metalworking stretched back to the Eifel region, long before they established their presence in Dortmund. In 1871, Leopold Hoesch and his sons, Wilhelm and Albert, along with his cousins Viktor and Eberhard, founded the iron and steelworks in Dortmund. This venture capitalized on the Ruhr region’s burgeoning industrial potential. Rich coal deposits and efficient railway transport for ore propelled Hoesch AG to become a major player in German industry. The company’s influence extended beyond steel and mining. Hoesch AG even ventured into synthetic fuel production with Hoesch-Benzin GmbH in 1936. However, the legacy of Hoesch AG is not without its shadows. During World War II, the company utilized forced labor, a dark chapter in its history. Despite this, the name “Karl Hoesch” became a term of endearment among employees. It represented the company’s deep connection to the community. Dragobert d’Hoesch inherited this complex legacy. The Dragobert d’Hoesch Sculpture, standing 1.2 meters tall, reminds us of the family’s impact. It represents the industrial growth that transformed Dortmund. The sculpture, with its inscription “AR 2012,” serves as a tangible link between the past and the present. It prompts reflection on the individuals who shaped Dortmund’s industrial identity.
Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule
Established in 1988 the Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule in Bochum is a significant landmark in German education. It was one of the first