Publication “Irene and Peter Ludwig. Insights into the Collectors’ International Activities. Regina Wyrwoll in Conversation with Contemporary Witnesses”
A comprehensive Publication published in May by Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther und Franz König.
They amassed one of the most important and comprehensive art collections in the second half of the 20th century: Irene and Peter Ludwig. Fuelled by the idea of making a panorama of world art visible, they initiated the establishment of museums and foundations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Hungary, Russia, Cuba and China from 1970 onwards.
The prerequisite for the realisation of their global activities were contacts with diplomats and politicians who were willing to make decisions. To this end, the collector couple relied on a network of experts who facilitated their access to both the art scene and the key cultural and political figures in each region — museum directors, artists, interpreters, people from the art trade and foundations. They were close at hand when the Ludwigs acquired works of art on their travels or negotiated the donation of parts of their collection.
In conversation with Regina Wyrwoll, 14 of these contemporary witnesses tell us first-hand how the Ludwigs managed to build up their collection of 14,000 works of international art and take it from Aachen to the whole world, despite all the challenges. They take us on a journey to different countries and regions, on a journey of different perspectives and insights, of diverse experiences, anecdotes and memories. When viewed together, they bring the work of Irene and Peter Ludwig to life and make it comprehensible.
Contextualising introductory texts, documents and photos from the archives of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation, some published for the first time, and a timeline of all founding activities complete the volume. The publication thus makes a contribution to an important chapter of global art history since the 1970s.
About the Publication
Irene and Peter Ludwig. Insights into the Collectors’ International Activities. Regina Wyrwoll in Conversation with Contemporary Witnesses. ISBN: 978−3−7533−0379−6. Edited by: Carla Cugini and Benjamin Dodenhoff, Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation. Texts by: Carla Cugini, Benjamin Dodenhoff, Isabel Pfeiffer-Poensgen, Regina Wyrwoll. Price: 25,00 EUR
Interviews with Regina Wyrwoll can be arranged. We would also be happy to send you a press copy of the publication if you are interested.