Globetrotting Far and Wide
The little boy in the midst of this beautiful photo with his umbrella is “The Globetrotter”. These angelic faces have a history of travel from a German factory, starting in 1934 until 2008 around the world. And today there are clubs, enthusiasts and collectors that still trade these pieces. Many of these Hummel figurines have been passed down a few generations and traveled the globe. I too fancy myself as a Globetrotter and hope that this summer again opens some doors to travel, though I only wish to be as fancy free as this adorable Hummel characters.
At The Guild Shop, we often have Hummel pieces, both old and new. Often, for the older generation, they evoke a special memory of a Mother, Father, Aunt, Godparent, or special person giving a gift to start a collection.
Shortly after WWII, these figurines especially became popular, as our US troops would find opportunity to send them home as gifts. For this we thank their creator, also considered an angel, Ms. Berta Hummel. She was ordained a Catholic Nun, Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel in 1934 and her legacy continues to bring joy to those that see these beautiful figurines.
Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel was born into a loving and big family in a small Bavarian town. Sister Hummel, in her early years as a nun, taught art an an elementary school. From this she was inspired to draw children at play. Her sisters, in the convent, sent her drawings to a publishing house in Germany and her earliest works became postcards, which today hold value as well. Franz Goebel also took note and bought many of Sr. Hummel’s drawings and in 1935 released the first line of porcelain figurines
War raged and through this Sr. Hummel continued to draw and submit beautiful ideas for pieces to be made. It is interesting to see the marks on the bottoms on Hummel figures at it denotes the time period and the companies that created them. The Vs and the Bees denote different dates of manufacturing and in some cases, value. It is easy to go on-line and listen and read more about these figures and their history.
And there is even a strong Texas connection. Sieglinde Schoen, the nephew of Sr. Hummel, started a museum in New Braunfels, which held over 280 pieces. Unfortunately, it closed in 2001. The German migrants coming to Texas, could have a little piece of home with the traditions dress of the girls dirndls and the boys lederhosen.
Perhaps the collection we have just received at the Guild Shop has pieces that you are interested in adding to your collection. They might even be a great graduation gift!
Please come into the store and find this sweet collection on our shelves. Each piece is individually priced.
May you find your treasure!
Karina
