Henner und Frieder

In the heart of Siegen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, stand two iconic statues that have become emblematic of the city's rich industrial heritage – Henner und Frieder. These bronze sculptures, created by the talented artist Friedrich Reusch in 1902, represent a miner (Henner) and a foundry worker (Frieder), paying homage to the region's historical significance in mining and metallurgy.

The Historical Significance of Henner und Frieder

The origins of Henner und Frieder date back to the early 20th century. Reusch crafted these statues for the 1902 Industrial and Trade Exhibition in Düsseldorf, where they served as the centerpiece for the presentation of Siegerland companies. The statues were cast by the Berlin foundry Schäffer & Walker and later gifted to the city of Siegen by the Berg- und Hüttenmännische Verein (Mining and Metallurgical Association).

Reusch began working on these sculptures in 1889, drawing inspiration from real-life workers at the Sieghütter Hammerwerk. Phillip Hüttenhain from Seelbach served as the model for the miner, while Friedrich Bingener from Dreis-Tiefenbach posed for the foundry worker. Each model was compensated with 50 Marks for their contribution.

From Exhibition to Iconic Landmark

On September 28, 1904, Henner und Frieder found their permanent home on the reinforced central pillars of the Sieg Bridge, constructed in 1882. The statues were mounted on red sandstone pedestals, crafted by stonemason Kögler, and adorned with inscriptions. The pedestal of Frieder bore the inscription, Arbeit ist des Bürgers Zierde, Segen ist der Mühe Preis (Work is the citizen's adornment, blessing is the reward of effort), while Henner's pedestal read, Wer Bergwerk will bauen, muß Gott vertrauen (He who wishes to build a mine must trust in God).

During the 1930s, the statues were temporarily removed due to the reconstruction of the Sieg Bridge, which was replaced by a steel-reinforced concrete bridge. Henner und Frieder were reinstalled on the new bridge in January 1934, just before its official reopening in March of the same year. However, their journey was far from over.

Surviving War and Restoration

As World War II drew to a close, the bridge was destroyed by the Wehrmacht on March 31, 1945, causing the statues to plunge into the Sieg River. After several weeks, the statues were recovered and stored in the Eintracht-Bunker. The sculptures sustained significant damage during the bridge's destruction, necessitating extensive restoration work.

Once restored, Henner und Frieder were returned to their original location on the bridge, now positioned on the bridgeheads leading to Heeserstraße and Siegstraße. Over the years, their location shifted slightly due to various construction projects, including the building of the City-Kaufhaus and the Siegplatte overhang. By the summer of 2012, the statues stood side by side on the edge of the Siegplatte near the Bahnhofsbrücke.

A New Home for Henner und Frieder

As part of the Siegen – zu neuen Ufern (Siegen – to new shores) redevelopment project, the Siegplatte was demolished, prompting the search for a new location for Henner und Frieder. On August 10, 2012, the statues were dismantled and placed in storage, initially planned for a period of approximately 15 months. However, it wasn't until September 10, 2015, that the statues were reinstalled on the new Oberstadtbrücke, which connects Siegen's upper and lower towns. Today, Henner und Frieder stand proudly facing each other, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Siegen's industrial past.

Visiting Henner und Frieder

For visitors to Siegen, Henner und Frieder offer a glimpse into the city's storied history. These statues not only commemorate the labor and dedication of the region's workers but also serve as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the community. As you stand before Henner and Frieder, take a moment to reflect on the rich industrial heritage that has shaped Siegen and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that brought these statues to life.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply exploring the charming streets of Siegen, a visit to Henner und Frieder is a must. These statues are more than just bronze figures; they are a symbol of the city's identity and a tribute to the hardworking individuals who contributed to its development. So, make sure to include Henner und Frieder in your itinerary and discover the fascinating story behind these iconic sculptures.