Winterthur Mourns a Visionary: Hans-Peter Bärtschi, the Historian Who Saved a City’s Soul
WINTERTHUR, SWITZERLAND – The city of Winterthur is in mourning following the death of Hans-Peter Bärtschi, a fiercely independent industrial historian and committed communist whose tireless work shaped the preservation of Switzerland’s industrial heritage. Bärtschi, who passed away in 2022, is remembered not just for his extensive photographic archive – now housed at the ETH Zurich library – but for his unwavering fight to protect the Sulzer area from wholesale demolition. This is breaking news for those following Swiss cultural preservation efforts, and a significant loss for the field of industrial history.
From Maoist Activism to Architectural Advocacy
Bärtschi’s life was a study in contradictions, as detailed in a new biography by Daniel Wehrli, titled Hans-Peter Bärtschi. Rebel and preserver, set for release in 2025. Wehrli, initially expecting to find a conventional monument conservator, discovered a man deeply involved in the political upheavals of 1968, a former member of the Maoist-oriented Communist Party of Switzerland (KPS), and a frequent traveler to countries like Albania and China. “He thought he could adapt the KPS to his ideas,” Wehrli explains, “but there was no place for such stubbornness in the strictly hierarchical party.”
This early political engagement, born from a working-class upbringing – his father a chauffeur, his mother a seamstress – fueled Bärtschi’s lifelong commitment to challenging the status quo. Interestingly, his architectural mentor at the ETH, Aldo Rossi, instilled in him the radical idea that preserving existing buildings was a more potent form of political action than revolutionizing the university itself. This philosophy became the cornerstone of his life’s work.
The Battle for Sulzer: A Legacy in Brick and Steel
Bärtschi’s impact is most visible in Winterthur itself. In 1986, he independently initiated a study of the Sulzer area, a sprawling industrial complex facing imminent demolition. Three years later, he conducted a comprehensive inventory for the city’s building department, a report that directly challenged Sulzer management’s plans to raze most of the site. He advocated for a preservation strategy that, remarkably, closely resembles the Sulzer area as it exists today – a vibrant mix of historical structures and modern development.
Beyond Sulzer, Bärtschi’s dedication extended to saving the last Swiss nail factory in 2000, a testament to his commitment to preserving the tangible remnants of Switzerland’s industrial past. His work earned him the municipal culture prize in 2008, recognizing his profound contribution to the region.
A Photographer’s Eye, A Historian’s Heart
Bärtschi’s legacy isn’t solely built on activism and reports. He was a prolific photographer, amassing over 250,000 images documenting locomotives, train stations, and, crucially, industrial buildings across Switzerland. This vast archive, now entrusted to the ETH Library, provides an invaluable resource for researchers and anyone interested in the nation’s architectural and industrial history. He often had to “beg for money from foundations” to fund his projects, highlighting the challenges faced by independent preservationists.
Those who knew Bärtschi describe him as “very warm, humorous, kind and compassionate,” yet also possessing a direct, sometimes bossy, manner. “He told people how to do it right,” Wehrli notes, “He ultimately turned this skill into his profession.” His incredible memory for facts and his unwavering dedication made him a formidable advocate for the preservation of Switzerland’s industrial soul.
Hans-Peter Bärtschi’s life serves as a powerful reminder that preserving our past requires not only expertise and passion but also a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and fight for what truly matters. His work continues to resonate in Winterthur and beyond, ensuring that the stories embedded within these industrial landscapes are not forgotten. For those interested in learning more about Swiss industrial history and the ongoing efforts to preserve it, the ETH Zurich library’s image archive offers a rich and compelling resource. Stay tuned to Archyde for further coverage of cultural preservation efforts and breaking news from Switzerland and around the globe.
