Visiting Matthias Köhler in Dresden
5th April, 2024
Within the butter-colored walls of a whimsical, cluttered but cozy workshop in Dresden is Matthias Köhler. Köhler is a master engraver, one who works closely with the German-based watch company Lang & Heyne. Apart from his engravings on Lang & Heyne watches, he also performs engravings on a variety of objects and materials. In fact, he also works on the restoration of museum relics, which makes him a particularly special engraver. Quiet and focused, Köhler can always be found in the warm room of his workshop, fully concentrated in his projects.
In April, we were granted the pleasure of visiting his private workshop. Even before stepping indoors, we could see a glimpse of his creative spirit from the playful doodles on his car door. Once we entered into the workshop, we were enveloped in a space full of his personality and quirks - trinkets, momentos, and mini crafts were sprinkled all over the interior. From the photos and calendars on his wall, to the silly figurines sitting on his vitrine, there were countless things to see.
Köhler kindly guided us through how he made each of his creations from scratch, starting from the first vague, nebulous idea in his mind, to the developing sketches, to the selection of raw materials and finally, every single meticulous step of his hand engraving processes.
He showed us an intricate sample sketch of one of his engravings for a Lang & Heyne timepiece, inspired by the interlocking loops and fancy swirls of ornately decorated uncial script.
Köhler leafing through one of his binders, which encompasses a compilation of sketches
Alongside scattered sheets and tools, his work table features a large assortment of rocks, crystals, and metals. Among his engraved work includes a fantastical ram and ornamentation on gold boxes, and a red wax prototype of a traditional seal stamp. The stamp model showcases expert craftsmanship, with the chain links appearing fully functional and interlinked, despite being carved from a single solid piece of wax.
Click through to look at the progression of one of Köhler’s engravings
Köhler demonstrated how he approaches metal engraved work - with an array of sharp tools and intense precision. He largely avoids machine work and produces the engravings traditionally by hand. He places the target material on a propped block under a magnifying device, which helps him see in finer detail. It is a craft that requires a good eye and a steady hand, as well as the greatest patience.
Köhler works with a lot of gold pieces, plates, and latches, some of these items being even smaller than a thumb, proving how difficult the craft is. Imagine the amount of intense concentration and care required of his work - one slip of the hand or additional pressure added could mean disaster. One tiny piece can take hours to days.
Blessed with a vivid imagination and eye for detail ever since he was a child, Köhler grew up drawing and modeling. Book illustrations were never detailed enough for him. When he began his journey in the trade of engraving as an apprentice, his heart and soul flowed into his work. Today, he draws on his versatility and aims to make the impossible possible in his art. To him, the process of going from the first seed of an idea to the finished product is a long but worthwhile and fulfilling journey. In between this long journey is a flurry of research, poring over books, making drafts, and the constant search for a harmonious solution.
Click through to look at some of his other work
Köhler’s Master Craftsman certification was awarded to him in 2004, exemplifying his life dedication to his craft. Engraving is a craft that requires a lot of time. It has taken many years for him to hone a complete understanding of design principles, the skills of being scrupulous, and strong hand-eye coordination. And even so, the learning never stops and there is always a further level of perfection and improvement that can be strived for. We find his devotion to his craft incredibly inspiring.
The utmost gratitude to Matthias Köhler for warmly welcoming us into his workshop.