The brush or the brush trade are not inventions from Todtnau. The oldest known hairbrushes were found during excavations in Egypt. In Germany, brush making emerged as a trade in Nuremberg around the year 1400. So what is so special about the Todtnau brush industry and its history that we would like to tell in this museum?
In Germany and Europe, there are a large number of sectors and industries that emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries. Numerous important inventions and innovations were produced. Countless companies were founded during the Gründerzeit, which reached its peak during industrialization in the second half of the 19th century. In many cases, however, these industries disappear again, relocate to other regions of Germany or are taken over by other countries where production is cheaper.
In Todtnau, the brush industry still plays a very important role today. There are still innovative and globally active companies from the brush industry in Todtnau. And the world market leader for brushing machines still has its headquarters in Todtnau.