A new catalogue has been published to accompany the Tallinn City Museum’s exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Brotherhood of the Black Heads.

At the Tallinn City Life Museum, the exhibition “The Wealthy and Handsome. The Brotherhood of the Black Heads in Tallinn” explores the organisation’s history, traditions, and customs, featuring historical archives and artworks. Meanwhile, at the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum, “Aut vincendum, aut moriendum – Victory or Death: The Brotherhood of the Black Heads in the Defence of Tallinn” highlights the Brotherhood’s role in defending the city and serving as firefighters. The new catalogue brings together the key themes and highlights of both exhibitions into a single publication.

Founded in the Middle Ages as an association of unmarried merchant apprentices, the Brotherhood of the Black Heads played a significant role in Tallinn’s cultural, social, and economic life for more than five centuries. Its members – typically young, wealthy merchants and merchants’ sons – were known for their lavish celebrations and generous patronage of St Catherine’s Church at the Dominican friary.

Over time, the Brotherhood made an important contribution to the city’s commercial and civic development, while also taking an active role in military defence and firefighting. The House of the Black Heads, renowned for its outstanding art collection, was among the most prestigious buildings in Tallinn.

The Brotherhood’s activities in Tallinn came to an end during the first Soviet occupation in 1940, but the organisation continued its work in exile. In 1961, a modern Brotherhood of the Black Heads was founded in Germany as the legal successor to the historic association. Since the early 2000s, it has once again been active in Tallinn.

The catalogue is available in Estonian, German, and English.

Authors: Anu Mänd, Ivar Leimus, Urmas Oolup, Toomas Abiline, Pia Ehasalu, and Ando Pajus

Compiled by: Pia Ehasalu

Design: Pult OÜ

The catalogue is available for purchase at the Tallinn City Life Museum, Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum, and in the Tallinn City Museum online shop.

Price: €18