How Hummel Collectible Figurines Are Made

At CollectorsLine, we carry only the finest collectible figurines. We are delighted to present the beautiful M.I. Hummel line of collectible figurines created by the Goebel Company.

M.I. Hummel porcelain figurines are cherished and valuable collector’s items. The popularity and worth of these decorative statuettes is due to the first-rate craftsmanship and tradition of excellence the Goebel Company is known for, as well as the charming naïveté and cheerful wonder at the world that each figurine expressively conveys.

The figurines, which are based upon Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel’s 1930s illustrations of children, are precisely and painstakingly assembled by master sculptors at the Goebel factory in Germany. First, the sculptor carefully studies one of Sister Hummel’s designs, chosen from the extensive collection of drawings she left behind after her death. Each Hummel sculptor faces the challenging task of converting Sister Hummel’s original vision from paper to a three-dimensional model. This can take weeks because the sculptor must embellish upon Sister Hummel’s original vision to make an intricate figurine, while being careful not to take so much liberty with the design that the comforting charm she infused into each drawing is lost in translation to three dimensions.

Once the model is completed, the sculptor presents it, along with the original drawing, to the Artistic Board at the Convent of Siessen, whose job it is to ensure that the artistic vision of Sister Hummel is preserved. When it is approved, the clay model is split up into as many as forty pieces. The sculptor and mold maker work together to create a plaster mold of each piece which, because of the extensive erosion that occurs, can only be used for a limited time before it must be thrown away and a new mold must be made. The slip, or liquid ceramic, is then poured into the mold. Once the pieces are hardened they are reattached with more slip, and the figure is whole once again.

The figurine, now well on its way to becoming a beautiful gift or collector’s item, is smoothed to make it appear seamless, then fired three times in the kiln. The first firing, at 2100 degrees fahrenheit, hardens the porcelain and shrinks it to its final size. The figurine is hand-coated with a tinted liquid glaze to give it a glossy white sheen, and then fired again. Finally, a highly skilled painter uses paints (which have been carefully matched to the colors in Sister Hummel’s original artwork) and natural-hair brushes to apply the final glaze that will make the figurine complete and ready to be treasured for years to come. Finally, the figurine is fired one final time at a much lower temperature. Then it is ready to be shipped off and sold.

Each step in the creation process is executed by extremely talented artists and overseen to make sure that each Hummel figurine meets the high quality standards of Goebel while still delivering the artistic vision of Sister Hummel. Over 700 hand operations and weeks of work may be devoted to a single figurine.

CollectorsLine, is pleased to offer a beautiful selection of M.I. Hummel collectible figurines that will delight any collector! Please visit our eBay store, CollectorsLine, for a wonderful selection of Hummel collectible figurines, great selection, and wonderful service!