This is a wonderful piece — the scale, colour and scientific detail give it real presence. It sits beautifully in any space and has exactly the kind of academic-decor charm that collectors and interior stylists love.
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Vintage very large German Educational Zoology Wall Chart
( Human not included 🤣🤣 for scale only )
Chordata (Acrania) / Vertebrata (Pisces)
Dr. Lips Baupläne des Tierreiches – No. 6
Published by Verlag Gerhard Gembke, Berlin
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Bring the character of a traditional classroom or laboratory into your interior with this striking vintage German educational wall chart.
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This large pull-down teaching chart illustrates the anatomical structure of early chordates and fish, taken from the renowned Baupläne des Tierreiches (“Structural Plans of the Animal Kingdom”) series by Dr. Lips. The bold graphic style, clear colour coding and detailed cross-sections reflect the mid-20th century approach to scientific education — designed to be both instructive and visually engaging.
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Printed in Germany and published by Verlag Gerhard Gembke, Berlin, the chart would originally have been used in schools, universities or teaching laboratories. Today, these charts are highly sought after for their decorative appeal — perfect for studies, home offices, creative spaces, medical or veterinary environments, or anyone who appreciates vintage scientific illustration.
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Mounted on its original pull-down frame with hanging cord.
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Condition
 
Good vintage condition overall
 
Some age-related creasing, light marks and gentle toning to the paper (as expected for a teaching chart of this age)
 
Colours remain strong and vibrant
 
Original wooden/metal roller intact and fully functional
 
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Approximate Size
132 cm tall 
100 cm wide 
 
Large classroom format (full wall display scale)
 
 
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Maker History – Verlag Gerhard Gembke, Berlin
 
Verlag Gerhard Gembke was a German educational publisher active primarily in the mid-20th century, specialising in high-quality scientific and biological teaching materials. The company produced a wide range of large-format wall charts covering zoology, botany, anatomy and natural sciences.
 
Their charts were widely distributed across German schools and universities and are known for:
 
Clear, modern graphic design
 
Accurate scientific illustration
 
Durable classroom construction
 
Strong colour lithographic printing
 
 
Today, Gembke charts are collected both for their educational heritage and their distinctive modernist scientific aesthetic. Pieces from the Baupläne des Tierreiches series are particularly desirable due to their detailed anatomical studies and impressive display size.