Worpswede mourns for Helmut Stelljes: The unforgettable chronicler died

Worpswede mourns for Helmut Stelljes: The unforgettable chronicler died

A striking personality leaves the stage: Helmut Stelljes, chronicler, photographer and passionate home artist, died on September 20, 2025 at the age of 92. With his death, he leaves a painful gap in historiography and in the cultural life of Worpswede. His oeuvre included more than a dozen books and numerous contributions to the history of his homeland, which he documented with a clear look and great attention to detail. Particularly noteworthy is his latest work on the famous painter Paula Modersohn-Becker, who is entitled "My Happest Hours" and was photographed by him. This is confirmed by the Weser-Kurier, who describes Stelljes as one of the most formative chroniclers in the region.

Born on July 21, 1933 in Bremen, Stelljes spent his childhood in Worpswede, a place that became a cradle of numerous artists in the 19th century. In his life and work time, he actively supported the cultural heritage of this artist colony. Stelljes became an important ambassador for the art scene there and regularly gave tours and slide lectures in which he brought the history of the place alive. His commitment to the culture was recognized in 2009 with the Cross of Merit in Lower Saxony. On top of that, he was a co-founder of the cultural magazine "Heimat-Rundblick", which still appears in Worpswede.

A life for art and community

Stelljes was not only a writer and photographer, but also a sought -after educator and didactic who had a broad knowledge. After studying pedagogy, sociology, mathematics and art history, he received her doctorate at the University of Bremen in 1981 and soon began to devote himself to the region and its history. During his time in Worpswede, where he moved with his family in the 1970s, he appeared as a preserving spirit and worked intensively for art and culture. He was always loyal to the people who met him openly.

His photographs were more than just snapshots; They were an expression of his deep connection with nature and the people of the place. Stelljes had a feel for the beauty of things and a good hand for creative projects. Regardless of whether in photography or writing, his talent and commitment should not go unmentioned.

Worpswede as an artist colony

Worpswede itself has a rich history as an artist colony that goes back to the 19th century. This community of creative people lived in nature has undoubtedly influenced the life and work of Stelljes. It was part of a movement that aimed to detach itself from the strict regulations of the art academies. Stelljes ’work is part of this heritage and he was always striving to promote creative exchange and dialogue between the artists. As a founding member of the European Association of Artist Colonies, he campaigned for Worpswede to be recognized as a cultural location beyond the borders.

With his extensive work and his passion for his homeland, Helmut Stelljes left lasting traces. His commitment - be it through his photographs or the many texts he wrote - is valued and remembered by everyone who lives in Worpswede. A truly worthy homage to a man who has enriched the culture of the region with his work.

More information about Helmut Stelljes can be found at the Weser courier, on Wikipedia And with the Worpswede museums.