“Who was Mathilde Jörres?” I hear you ask as we gather around this plaque. Mathilde Jörres was born in Lindau in 1833. This Mathilde Jörres Plaque commemorates a truly remarkable woman.
Mathilde Jörres dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights and education. Following the 1848 revolution, she championed women’s rights to work. She also advocated for better educational opportunities for girls.
After training as a teacher, Jörres took over a private girls’ school founded by her sister. In 1862, Mathilde Jörres opened an embroidery institute. It primarily offered free training to young girls. Her institute eventually evolved into the “Kunststickereianstalt und Kirchenparamentenfabrik.” This translates to “Art Embroidery Institute and Church Parament Factory.” It famously supplied the castles of King Ludwig II.
In 1878, Jörres established the “Marienstift” association. Then in 1890, she became the head of Munich’s first private women’s foundation. This foundation provided accommodation for single, working women. Mathilde Jörres died in Munich in 1912.
This Mathilde Jörres Plaque serves as a reminder. It honors her commitment to women’s empowerment and education. It symbolizes her lasting impact on Munich. Her tireless efforts paved the way for future generations. Mathilde Jörres fought for equality. She created opportunities for women. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.