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To support the work and the responsibilities of the Jewellery Museum, the International Society of the Friends of the Jewellery Museum Pforzheim e.V. (ISSP) was founded in 1977. Initiated by the Dutch-born Ida Boelen-van Gelder, founding members from Germany, several European countries, Japan, and the United States came together to promote this unique collection and the interests of the Jewellery Museum—financially, voluntarily, and ideologically.
Since then, we have supported the Jewellery Museum in many different ways, including:
- acquiring historical and modern jewellery pieces
- organizing special exhibitions
- publishing works on the history of jewellery
- co-financing exhibition catalogues
- purchasing technical equipment such as audio guides and folding chairs for visitors
- volunteer work in the museum shop
- organizing day events
- public relations activities
As a supporting association, we are especially committed to promoting museum projects for children and young people. We aim to spark enthusiasm for the subject of jewellery and to make the work of the Jewellery Museum accessible in an age-appropriate way.
Since 1998, we have conducted the funding initiative “Young Jewellery Art in the Museum” almost every year. This award both honours a jewellery artist with an independent and innovative artistic approach and expands the museum’s modern collection with a contemporary piece.
In addition to supporting the Jewellery Museum Pforzheim, our engagement also contributes to enhancing the image of the city of Pforzheim and of the region’s historically significant jewellery and watchmaking industry.