Behold the Schild und Wehr. This striking sculpture stands proudly on the Scharfe Lanke promenade in Berlin-Spandau. Created by Volkmar Haase its journey is as fascinating as its form.
The Schild und Wehr is more than just stainless steel. It is a testament to perseverance. Haase first conceived the piece in the 1970s. He completed it by 1979. Initially it found a home near Spandau’s old town. However local protests led to its removal and storage.
Undeterred Haase gifted the Schild und Wehr to the Spandau district in 1991. The sculpture’s journey was far from over. With the help of the district’s green space office and Mayor Sigurd Hauff it finally found a permanent place at the Scharfe Lanke in October 1992. This placement marked the end of its long journey.
Notice the sculpture’s unique shape. It is an angled obelisk. Its base is a four-tiered asymmetrical structure. The surface is satin-finished stainless steel. Two stacked forms made of discs spheres and quarter-spheres are welded onto the lower part. The inscription Schild und Wehr Haase 1979/91 is elegantly embedded in the brick base. It subtly complements the sculpture’s curves.
The Schild und Wehr’s story is a reflection of its artistic nature. It is a story of creation protest and ultimate triumph. It stands as a symbol of resilience and the enduring power of art. A fitting emblem for this beautiful Berlin location. Take a moment to appreciate its story. Appreciate its beauty. And appreciate its place in Berlin’s rich artistic heritage.