History of Hummels - Figurines
A History of Hummels & Hummel Figurines:
Goebel first began in Thuringia, a region of Germany that is known for its porcelain. Along with his son, William, Franz Detleff Goebel founded the company. He started by making slate pencils and children’s marbles, since he didn’t have the money or means to produce porcelain. In fact, porcelain production was not even legal at the time. The Coburgh Duke, who feared fires, outlawed it.
Determined to produce porcelain in his town of Oeslau, he worked hard and made profits from slate and marble. Eventually, Franz Detleff was able to petition the Duke, who gave him a small piece of land on the outskirts of the town, and permission to build his porcelain business. The first building for his business was erected in 1876, and 3 years later they started producing. At the beginning they produced mostly high-end dinnerware and figurines.
As Franz Detleff grew older, he started to rely more on his son, William, who was great at spotting market trends. William expanded and even changed the company name to W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik. A savvy businessman, William knew the importance of the American market. He sent his son, Max Louis, then 16, to America on his behalf. Max Louis, much like his father, had an eye for trends, and quickly started working with Marshall Field and other large U.S. companies. In 1911 he returned to Oeslau, with knew knowledge and vigor.
Upon his father’s death, Max Louis took over the family business. At this time Europe was moving toward urbanization and becoming much more industrial. Max Louis realized that if he were to continue to succeed, he must find a way to appeal to the emerging working class.
Some of Europe’s best sculptors were called to the Goebel studios. Always the businessman, he understood the value of networking and had great relationships with many contemporary artists, whose artwork served as inspiration for many of Goebel’s figurines.
When World War I caused runaway inflation in Germany, most porcelain companies closed down. Goebel, however, found a way to survive and continued to produce and expand. Earthenware (fine-grained) was added to the Goebel line in 1926. With this new material came new and improved products, including what would become known as MI Hummel Figurines.
In 1929, just as the stock market crashed in America, Max Louis died, ending his 18 years as head of the firm. Max Louis was incredibly innovative and prolific. It was a big loss to the company.
In family business style, Max Louis’s son, Franz Goebel, and his son in-law, Dr. Eugen Stocke took the reigns. With the economic crises worldwide Goebel carried on, but rapidly innovated - lamps, ashtrays, vases, candle holders, bookends, figurines – were all produced.
In 1934 Franz Goebel found the holy grail of of Goebel’s figurines, the M.I. Hummel line. Sister Maria Innocentia Hummels was a gifted artist. Her popular drawings of children were sold as cards, and it caught the attention of Franz Goebel. She would only allow Goebel to make the items if she personally approved the sculpting and painting. This is why all Hummels have a facsimile of her signature. Sadly, Sister Hummel died at the early age of 37. Her work was proudly produced for years, until the recent cease of production in 2008.
Do you have a collection you’re looking to sell? Contact us!
