Between files and gifts

Between files and gifts

On discovery tour through the university archive of the TU Braunschweig

by Bianca Lackmann

Most people probably associate the word archive with an antiquated collection of documents. In fact, the main task of the University Archive is to store and process the TU Braunschweig's records. However, the varied history of the TU is not only represented by paper. The University Archives contain some ‘curious’ objects whose connection to the TU is not immediately obvious at first glance. Only on closer inspection do these curiosities reveal their very own connection to the multifaceted and varied history of the university. This UB.Story puts the spotlight on some special finds.

A model of a junk boat made of metal. The reason for the donation to the TU Braunschweig is still unknown.
A model of a junk boat made of metal. The reason for the donation to the TU Braunschweig is still unknown.
Gown with headgear, as worn at official events.
Gown with headgear, as worn at official events. Archive signature: UABS signature no. X4 No. 5

Although gowns, like school uniforms, have fallen out of fashion, at least in this country, and are collectively perceived as an ‘outdated’ university tradition, these time-honoured robes still exude a certain charm. The examples kept in the university archives are official robes once worn by members of the Senate and vice-chancellors. The gowns were abolished in 1968 when the Technische Hochschule Braunschweig was transformed into the Technische Universität Braunschweig.

Will gowns come back into fashion in Braunschweig one day? After all, many a trend repeats itself. Heidelberg University, for example, reintroduced gowns in the mid-1990s.

What clearly bears the signature of the students of the time, however, is the blue and yellow flagpole that once carried the banner that now hangs in the Senate meeting room. This was financed and purchased by committed students in 1892.

Top of the pole used to hold the traditional banner from 1892. It is elaborately decorated with blue/yellow ornaments and the year 1892.
Top of the pole used to hold the traditional banner from 1892. It is elaborately decorated with blue/yellow ornaments and the year 1892.

To return to the classic archive holdings, we recommend a very special friendship book. Friedrich Ludwig Knapp (*1814, †1904), Professor of Technical Chemistry and Metallurgy, received a veritable tome with detailed golden decorations on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Such a remarkable performance by friends and (as written in the book itself) admirers speaks volumes; it was therefore necessary to produce two sets of these friendship books.

Elaborately designed cover of the friendship book with the initials of Prof Knapp. Archive signature: UABS G 131 No. 1.
Elaborately designed cover of the friendship book with the initials of Prof Knapp. Archive signature: UABS G 131 No. 1.
Title page with the dedication: ‘Dedicated to Professor Friedrich Knapp by friends and admirers on the seventieth anniversary of his birth’, 22 February 1884.
Title page with the dedication: ‘Dedicated to Professor Friedrich Knapp by friends and admirers on the seventieth anniversary of his birth’, 22 February 1884.
Side view of the decorative album with ornate gilt edges. The album contains 118 carte de visite from Prof Knapp's friends and admirers.
Side view of the decorative album with ornate gilt edges. The album contains 118 carte de visite from Prof Knapp's friends and admirers.

The travelogues of Franz Albert Wanstrat (*1813, †1901) are equally inspiring. The former professor of architecture still inspires today with his amazing drawings, which demonstrate his dedication to his profession.

Portfolio with drawings, watercolours and individual prints made and collected by Prof. Wanstrat during his study trip (1837-1839) to France and Italy.
Portfolio with drawings, watercolours and individual prints made and collected by Prof. Wanstrat during his study trip (1837-1839) to France and Italy.
Portfolio with drawings, watercolours and individual prints made and collected by Prof. Wanstrat during his study trip (1837-1839) to France and Italy.
[Translate to English:] Weiterer Einblick in den Reisebericht von Prof. Wanstrat

Like Wanstrat, we should also cultivate our spirit of discovery. Who knows? In many, many years' time, it may be your works that will continue to bring joy to posterity as curiosities in the TU Braunschweig University Archive! As ‘inspiration’, we have brought you some special finds from the archive:

Coil for generating static charge. It was provided with the photos of the employees of the Institute of High Voltage Technology.
Coil for generating static charge. It was provided with the photos of the employees of the Institute of High Voltage Technology.
Backrest and seat from the Audimax, which were handed over to the archive before the 2020 renovation.
Backrest and seat from the Audimax, which were handed over to the archive before the 2020 renovation.
Wooden transport case with a volumetric flask from the 1910s. Used by the Institute of Milling for measurements in the field.
Wooden transport case with a volumetric flask from the 1910s. Used by the Institute of Milling for measurements in the field.
An old seal of the TU Braunschweig with an electric sealing pin and the necessary sealing wax.
An old seal of the TU Braunschweig with an electric sealing pin and the necessary sealing wax.

Additional links and feedback

Take a look at the Braunschweig professors' catalogue to discover more exciting personalities

Our ‘Brunsvicensien’ collection offers you exciting historical insights into the history of the TU and the city of Braunschweig

In the stocks of the University Archive you will find information on the history of the institutions since 1745 as well as on the people who shaped them, who taught, researched and studied here. 

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UB.Stories: ‘Between files and guest gifts’: On a discovery tour through the university archive of the TU Braunschweig

Author: Bianca Lackmann, TU Braunschweig

We would like to thank the University Archive of the TU Braunschweig and especially Michael Wrehde for his support.