Hummel figurines

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Life-size reproduction of a Hummel figurine at the entrance of the Goebel company in Rödental, Germany

Hummel or the trademark M.I. Hummel is a series of ceramic figurines based on the illustrations by the German nun Maria Innocentia Hummel (neé Berta Hummel) .

[edit] History

Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel's works were discovered by Franz Goebel after a small publisher began printing her artwork as postcards. Goebel started production of the figurines under the authorization of the convent of Siessen. Although sister Hummel died in 1946 from tuberculosis, Goebel carried her legacy of her design.

The first Hummel figurines were sold in 1935. The figurines are all based on the drawings and paintings of children by sister Hummel. Though much of the art was done in the 1930s, the newer figurines have adopted a more contemporary appearance.

In addition to figurines of children, there are figurines of saints - a stylistic departure from the figurines of playful children. There are also figurines that depict cartoon characters like Bart Simpson and Snoopy.

Goebel announced on 2008-06-18 that the Hummel line was to be discontinued^[1] and production ceased as of October 2008. However on 2009-02-09 it was announced that Manufaktur Rodental GmbH, planned to resume M.I. Hummel production in February 2009. Rodental a newly founded company by investors, initially planned to start with around 30 employees^[2].

[edit] Crafting

At the Goebel company, Hummel figurines are made out of porcelain. The body is bisque fired, dipped in glaze, and painted using oil and turpentine based colors which contain metallic oxides as pigments.

[edit] References

1. ^ "Aus für Hummel-Figuren" (in German). Spiegel Online. 2008-06-18. http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,560530,00.html. Retrieved 2008-06-22. 
2. ^ "M.I. Hummel figurines find new home at old location". Goebel press release. 2009-02-09. http://www.goebel.com/pressroom.asp. Retrieved 2009-02-17. 

[edit] External links

• W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik GmbH & Co. KG. Goebel. "About M.I. Hummel" (retrieved Jan. 12, 2007)
• W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik GmbH & Co. KG. M.I. Hummel. "Craftsmanship". (retrieved Jan. 12, 2007)
• Backstamp dating. "Backstamp Dating". (retrieved Jan. 12, 2007)

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