Painter family brings color to life since 1900

Annika Schröer-Oeldemann is the fourth generation to manage a traditional company with passion and skill – modern, masterly, and firmly rooted in the painting trade.

This article is part of the special topic women in crafts

In some families, children receive the first name of their father or grandfather. In the Schröer family, three generations share the same first name: Friedrich. This also symbolizes continuity in the profession. The Schröers have been a family of painters for 125 years. Since 2006, the fourth generation has held management positions at the company in Marl, in the Recklinghausen district. This is not Friedrich, but Annika Schröer-Oeldemann. The master painter and varnisher, daughter of the third Friedrich, continues the family tradition. A success story in a craft whose origins date back to the Stone Age. 

Female power in the fourth generation

The Schröer family lives their craft. This is evident in the conversation, which, alongside Annika Schröer-Oeldemann, is also attended by her father ("Friedrich the Third," as he remarks with a grin). At 74, he is still fully employed, and the planned handover of the business to his daughter is well underway. Daughter Annika knew early on that she would learn the painting and decorating trade. Even as a child, she sometimes accompanied her father to work; as a student, she completed a painting internship. This was followed by an apprenticeship at a friend's company, the master craftsman's examination, and work in the family business. Her two sisters have entered other professions.

The female master craftsman is involved in a profession that was long considered a "male domain." That has changed. Friedrich (the third) was the first master painter and decorator in Marl to train a young woman. Currently, an apprentice is learning the trade at Schröer, and a journeywoman is part of the 20-person Schröer team. "We have employed women for many years," says the senior, and his daughter adds that the female specialists are well-received by customers. The feeling for design and color, which is a core of the painting and decorating trade, is something women are particularly good at "conveying."

Painting craft with history

This leads to the tasks of the skilled trades. Cave paintings are said to prove that people were already engaged in painting 30.000 years ago. It is documented that the ancient Egyptians decorated house walls with brushes and paint around 5.000 years ago. In 1900, the company's founder, Friedrich Schröer, began his own painting and wallpapering business at the age of 25, after several years of traveling. In 1909, he received a certificate from the Royal District Administrator authorizing him to train apprentices. The company has continued to do so ever since. Currently, six young people are receiving qualified training.

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Variety of services

The founder's son (the second Friedrich) expanded the craft business and opened a wallpaper and paint shop at a new location. In 1973, his son Friedrich took over the craft business. A year earlier, at the age of 21, he had earned his master craftsman qualification and was the youngest master painter and decorator in the Recklinghausen district at the time. His daughter Annika also pursued further training early on. At 22, she became a master craftsman.

More than color – advice included

The scope of work has changed over 125 years and has become considerably more extensive. In addition to the "traditional" work (painting and wallpapering), facade renovation, concrete surface restoration, basement renovation, plastering, external thermal insulation systems, flooring work, and interior and exterior design of houses and apartments have been added. "And professional advice," emphasizes Annika Schröer-Oeldemann. All of this requires a skilled professional. Solid training and ongoing professional development are essential. The "painter" category in the job title includes doors, windows, railings, and balconies.

Quality for customers – yesterday, today, tomorrow

"Design and maintenance" is how the master craftswoman sums up the tasks of her trade. The business advertises itself with the slogan "Master painters do more than some people think" – and of course, female master craftsmen do too. The family business works for commercial clients (e.g., housing companies and construction associations) and primarily serves private customers. Demands have changed. "Our customers are happy to invest in their homes," says Annika Schröer-Oeldemann. The painting and decorating trade is well positioned for this – also with an eye to the future. Her father adds: "It would be great if more young people were interested in a skilled trade." This, too, is part of securing the future – for the Schröer family and for the skilled trades as a whole.

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