Limitation: 40 (numbered, signed) Dimensions: 24 x 10 x 26 cm (H/W/D) Weight: 2,48 k

Gotthelf Schlotter (1922 - 2007)

Gotthelf Schlotter is one of the two artistically talented sons of the sculptor Heinrich Schlotter, a friend of the famous author Arno Schmidt. He did his sculptor's apprenticeship with his father in Bargfeld and then attended the School of Applied Arts in Hildesheim. Only after war and captivity was he able to study; in 1946 his path led him to Munich. After graduating, he devoted himself entirely to practical matters; from 1949 to 1951 he trained as a carpenter. Immediately afterwards Schlotter moved to Darmstadt and from then on worked as a freelance sculptor. In 1955 he joined the New Darmstadt Secession, of which he became chairman in 1967. Schlotter had early success; in the mid-1950s he was supported by scholarships and as early as 1956 his works could be found in a large exhibition at the Villa Hügel in Essen. 

In the following period and until his last years Schlotter created numerous sculptures. He excelled above all as an animalist, a recurring motif being the crane in particular. Schlotter's best-known works are the large bird fountain in front of the Walsrode Bird Park and the prize statuette given to the winner of the Kranichstein Literature Prize.

Over the years, Gotthelf Schlotter has received recognition for his artistic work on many occasions. In 1972 he was awarded the Johann Heinrich Merck Honor in Darmstadt, followed by the award of the Federal Cross of Merit in 1979.