about us
Porta Temporum aims to bring medieval art and material culture back to life.
We combine medieval book art with methods of museum-based history teaching to engage with a range of different audiences. Our workshops are all about creative experimentation: historical techniques and aspects of medieval culture are brought to life in an accessible and engaging way, encouraging participants to dive right in.
Pauline Zschach
Medieval Germanist, educator, calligrapher and illuminator
During her studies of German language and philosophy at the University of Rostock, Pauline Zschach specialised in Medieval German Studies, assisted Prof. Dr. Holznagel and gained practical teaching experience in schools. She successfully completed her bachelor's degree with an analysis of the Middle High Medieval epic ‘Reinhart Fuchs’. She also gained additional qualifications by completing the certificate course ‘Aktivposten Kulturgut’ at the University Library of Rostock. After completing her master's degree, she began independent research on the Beguine movement and explored medieval women's history.
Pauline Zschach has always been artistically active in her private life. Her fascination with medieval book art extended beyond her studies, inspiring her to explore medieval literary culture and its significance for female mysticism. In her practical work with illumination and Gothic calligraphy, she is particularly grateful for the teachings of Julia Baxter, Ben Farnell, Markéta Poskočilová and Theophilus Presbyter.
Tim Tönsing
Historian, educator, calligrapher and illuminator
Tim Tönsing first studied architecture, later history and philosophy at the University of Rostock. Here he specialised in medieval history with a particular interest in the Hanseatic League, material culture and museums as places of extracurricular learning. With his thesis about fashion development in the 13th century he completed his first state examination. His particular passion is museum work: After an internship at the Cultural History Museum in Rostock, he stayed at Medeltidsmuseet Stockholm, where he provided research support for a special exhibition at the Swedish History Museum and developed concepts for history education.
Research on the influence of images accompanied Tim Tönsing throughout his studies. His academic interest in historical art played a decisive role for his thesis, where he developed a method for the quantitative evaluation of miniatures in medieval manuscripts. As a person who has always been creatively active, he dedicated himself to historical painting and writing techniques. In this pursuit, he is particularly grateful for the teachings of Julia Baxter, Ben Farnell, Markéta Poskočilová and Theophilus Presbyter.