DERMA. FOGS. GDR

Integrated into the annually revised permanent exhibition "Perfume Flacons - A Journey through the 20th Century", the themed exhibition "DERMA. FRAGRANCES. DDR", which is integrated into the annual permanent exhibition "DERMA. DÜFTE. DDR", focuses on the 100th anniversary of the cosmetics manufacturer L.A. Schmitt from Ludwigsstadt in Upper Franconia. The regional company was founded by its founder Ludwig Adalbert Schmitt in Leipzig in 1925. The new image of women in the 1920s was associated with the need for freedom and individualism, which included a new understanding of beauty and health. In his early days, Ludwig Schmitt did not focus on the triumph of lipstick, but on creams and oral hygiene products. Accordingly, pharmacies became an important sales partner. There was even a sales force for local customer service. After the destruction of the Leipzig production site due to the effects of the Second World War, the company succeeded in rebuilding and continuing its business in the still young GDR with the greatest efforts and the help of its loyal and hard-working workforce. Last but not least, the political changes led to a relocation to the market economy-orientated FRG in 1953.
Thanks to the kind support of L.A. Schmitt GmbH and its managing director Mr Ivo Petschke, this collaborative exhibition provides an overview of Ludwig Schmitt's life's work and products from the 1950s to the 1980s for the first time. The company's stock of historical cosmetic articles from the brands ESCODONT, MARAVILLA, TRILBY, BERNOTH etc. will be donated to the European Flacon Glass Museum after the exhibition. This deserves not only the heartfelt thanks of the EFGM and its sponsor - the Glasbewahrer am Rennsteig e.V. - but also a large number of interested guests from near and far.

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Last edited on 20.12.2025