Womacka windows in the former State Council building of the GDR

The monumental stained-glass window ‘From the history of the German labour movement’ by Walter Womacka was extensively restored in 2012

The former State Council building was built in 1962-64. It is one of the most important architectural monuments in German post-war history. As the first representative building of the GDR, it represents a total work of art of its time.

In 2004, the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) took over the former State Council building. After renovation and conversion into a modern educational institution, it was opened for study programmes in January 2006.

The main staircase of the building is dominated by a monumental, coloured glass window designed by the painter Walter Womacka entitled ‘Depictions from the History of the German Labour Movement’.

This stained-glass window is one of the most significant works of art of socialist realism. It bears witness to a vanished state and its ideals, making it an integral part of recent German history.

Restoration of the stained-glass window

After we had prepared a comprehensive report on the history, materials, production method and conservation of the Womacka window in 2009, we were commissioned to restore the stained glass window in 2012.

The aim of the measures was to secure and conserve the existing coloured glass wall in its installed state. The following measures were carried out:

• Securing the carrier glass
• Preservation of the contours
• Bonding of cracks
• Cleaning
• Retouching

A comprehensive photographic and written documentation of the work was created.

We are also happy to advise you on your projects, on the new production or restoration of representative stained-glass windows.