Picture a child’s joyful silhouette frozen in time. This is the essence of the Radschläger in Maschendraht sculpture. It embodies a beloved symbol of Düsseldorf. The Radschläger or cartwheeler is more than just a figure. It’s a tradition woven into the city’s identity.
Let’s delve into the captivating story of the Radschläger. Its origins are delightfully murky. One popular tale links it to the Battle of Worringen in 1288. Count Adolf VIII of Berg triumphed over the Archbishop of Cologne. As a result Düsseldorf gained city rights. The overjoyed citizens especially the children celebrated by cartwheeling through the streets.
Another story tells of a wedding procession. Disaster struck when a wheel broke on the wedding carriage. A quick-thinking boy jumped in to hold the wheel saving the day. Whether this was Jan Wellem’s wedding or another remains a mystery. But the image of a cartwheeling boy became ingrained in local lore.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries Düsseldorf hosted major exhibitions. Children discovered a lucrative opportunity. They performed cartwheels for tourists who saw it as a local custom. For a penny these children would happily show off their skills.
Even in 1945 after the war cartwheeling boys accompanied the return of the Jan-Wellem monument. This further cemented the Radschläger’s place in Düsseldorf’s heart. The Radschläger tradition is kept alive by the Alde Düsseldorfer civil society of 1920. They held the first cartwheeler competition in 1937. Since 1971 boys and girls compete annually in June. More than 500 children participate each year.
The Radschläger has found its way into Düsseldorf’s cityscape. The Radschlägerbrunnen or Cartwheeler Fountain in Burgplatz is the best-known example. It was created in 1954 by Alfred Zschorsch. The inscription reads We want to keep being cartwheelers no matter how crazy the world might be.
Friedrich Becker’s designs are also prominent. His Radschläger cube from 1995 now stands on Klosterstrasse. In 2022 a sculpture based on his design was erected at the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences.
In 2001 the Radschläger-Kunst project brought over 100 cartwheeler sculptures to the city. These two-meter-high figures were created by various artists. Though many were later purchased some remain visible today.
The stylised shape of the cartwheeler became a city emblem. This led to copyright disputes with imitators. The courts have ruled that variations are permissible.
The Radschläger is marketed in many forms including souvenirs and sweets. Even a local flea market bears its name. So as you admire this Maschendraht sculpture remember its rich history. The Radschläger is a symbol of joy resilience and Düsseldorf’s unique spirit. It is a reminder to embrace life’s simple pleasures.