He stands there completely relaxed in the garden of the museum, almost amused with himself in view of the many well-wishers – he always has a bit of mischief on his mind. And who has the opportunity to celebrate in one of the most beautiful places in Munich, in the shrine of the painter prince Franz von Lenbach, in the best spring weather and with friends who have even come from South Africa or Tennessee? Lothar Schirmer invited people to the Lenbachhaus for the birthday party of his publishing house, which he founded with Erik Mosel 50 years ago. He has known quite a few of the 160 guests that evening since that exciting Sturm und Drang period, the time of empty coffers and high hopes. Over the decades, Schirmer has provided a stage for entire generations of artists, photographers, writers, film stars and fashion greats – with lovingly curated, often lavishly produced books. A very personal publishing program that combines a sense of art, a love of glamour, a sense of style and a penchant for exciting personalities.
Spending time with Schirmer is an enrichment in every respect, says the General Director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections Bernhard Maaz: “Lothar Schirmer combines passion and connoisseurship. It’s simply a pleasure to meet him,” preferably in one of his favorite restaurants Bogenhausen or at the Hofgarten. The journalist Stephan Sattler, also a long-time friend of the celebrant, gives tips on how to properly deal with this not entirely wrinkle-free character: “It’s better not to bother him before lunch.” But then the best entertainment is guaranteed. And the 79-year-old Schirmer also offers this in his welcome speech, in which he thanks not only his loyal employees but also his “doctors and lawyers for their caring care” and reports on dealing with clever but not entirely easy writers (“there are already three authors more than a flea circus”).
The thanks come back double or triple. First, in the video message from actress Isabella Rossellini – she has expanded the portfolio of editions about the great masters of photography, film and fine art to include a work about her favorite animals (“My Chickens and I”): “You made me do it encouraged to find my own voice as an artist,” says Rossellini. The magnificently whispered greeting from Hanna Schygulla, who has just turned 80 and whose talents as a singer, actress and author are also documented in the Schirmer publishing house, is also short and powerful: “Hello Lothar – here I am. Nevertheless!” Do you need to say more to express your connection?
Some speakers need a little more than 1000 words. In his eulogy, the author Michael Krüger ranges widely, from Martin Luther (who lived in Schirmer’s birthplace of Schmalkalden in Thuringia) to Willy Brandt, Thomas Tuchel and Vicky Leandros. It is to be welcomed that towards the end of his remarks Krüger does not completely drift into a melancholic view of the world, but instead orients himself towards the cheerfulness of his friend Lothar (“Lutz”). “He kept the kitsch and the sauce away from his books,” which is also a lasting achievement. And after many unavoidable anecdotes, the main course arrives at some point, which the guests eat with great appetite, some already in an art-loving delirium. Lothar Schirmer could now comment on this in his own way: with his legendary shrug of the shoulders. It can happen!