The Innovator

Hanns Heinen (1895-1961) was not just a poet and journalist, he was also technologically gifted. As a counterbalance for his literary and journalistic work, he also enjoyed building small models and model railways throughout his life. As a result, his two daughters Bettina and Gabriele gained a new doll gallery with pictures painted by Erwin Bowien (1899-1972).

Hanns Heinen’s older brother Theodor outshone him on the technical front and often collaborated with him on multiple technical innovations. He invented many new things during his short life, including a device that enabled the user to develop film in daylight. Hanns helped him develop the device, for which the brothers applied for a patent at the Imperial German Patent Office. Theodor Heinen had the device patented in many other countries and was in contact with many well-known companies such as KODAK. His projects were all abruptly ended by his untimely death in the First World War.

Hanns Heinen was unable to continue his brother’s projects due to the financial difficulties of the years that followed the war.