Werner Franz Josef Wilhelm Detlev Bornheim gen. Schilling (6 February 1915 – 29 October 1992) was a German art historian and historic preservationist.
[1] After attending the Rheinische Ritterakademie [de][1] in Bedburg studied art history Schilling from 1934 onwards at the universities of Köln, Bonn, München and finally Berlin.
Subsequently, during the Second World War, he found work as a volunteer[1] at the Rheinisches Museum (Haus der Rheinischen Heimat) in Cologne-Deutz and the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud (1942[4]) in Cologne employment.
While Cologne continued to suffer from the heavy air raids and increasingly fell into rubble and ashes, but also threatened to sink into chaos, Bornheim gen. Schilling was busy with protective measures.
His prudence in connection with the preservation and protection of threatened cultural assets found its first opportunity for practical proof in the removal of Cologne's museum holdings to Langenau.
[8] Whoever has experienced, for example, his commitment to the canalisation of the Moselle, his involvement in the conversion of the Petersberg Hotel, his decisions in the preservation and design of the cathedrals, churches, castles and - countless - fortresses in Rhineland-Palatinate, or comprehends them today, will recognise the extent and depth of his achievements.
[10] Furthermore, the presidency of the Deutsches Nationalkomitee von ICOMOS [de], which was offered at its establishment in 1964, as well as membership of the Executive Council in Paris and the German Commission for UNESCO.
[11] Werner Bornheim was a fascinating personality in his own way: his expertise, his sparkling spirit, his friendly (sometimes biting) humour, his sensual nature, his cheerfulness and his Catholic religion combined in him to form a unity.