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Press Releases
M.I. Hummel Club Celebrates Artist's Birth
Pennington, N.J., May 13, 2009 - The M.I. Hummel Club marks a milestone birthday this year, one with special meaning for members everywhere. It was 100 years ago, on May 21, 1909, that Berta Hummel was born. She grew up to become Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, the woman whose vision inspired the beloved figurines that bear her name. To honor the 100th anniversary of her birth, the Club will pay tribute with a brand new figurine, a QVC show with special commemorative product offerings, and a birthday celebration at the 2009 North American M.I. Hummel Club Convention.
To honor Sister's artistry, vision and loving spirit, Manufaktur Rödental, the new company that will continue the handcrafting of these famous figurines, will release a highly-prized, strictly limited Commemorative Edition, Sister's Children. It's a joyful parade of the beloved Bavarian children that are the heart and soul of Sister Hummel's creative imagination - an ambitious demonstration of M.I. Hummel artistry at its finest.
A special QVC show will air on Friday, May 22, from 10am - 11am ET, focusing on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sister Hummel. Unique commemorative products will be announced, and viewers will witness the exciting introduction of a 100th anniversary Backstamp, available on all 2009 releases - and the live unveiling of trademark 9.
And there's more excitement awaiting M.I. Hummel enthusiasts this year, as they shuffle off to Buffalo, New York for the 2009 North American
M.I. Hummel Club Convention, September 10 - 13, 2009. The Club consists of more than 100,000 members worldwide, and many of them will gather for the chance to see the newest creations and learn about collecting. This year, the Club will honor the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Sister Hummel as members dance, dine, laugh and learn together. They'll enjoy amazing sights, like Niagara Falls, and make happy memories. The deadline for registration is May 31, 2009. Space is limited.
Manufaktur Rödental continues the M.I. Hummel tradition in the same factory where the figurines were originally created over 73 years ago. A team of skilled craftspeople work with skill and loving care, ensuring the artistic excellence that is the hallmark of these precious creations. Today,
M.I. Hummel figurines remain the world's most beloved collectible, a tribute to the spirit of childhood and the talent of a brilliant artist.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM GERMANY
M.I. Hummel figurines find new home at old location
Rodental, 6 February 2009 -
- Investor takes over manufacturing facilities and rights for M.I. Hummel figurines by Goebel
- Newly founded Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH plans to resume
M.I. Hummel production in February, initially with around 30 employees
- The reorganisation of Goebel Porcelain Factory is now complete
Rodental/Frankfurt-Hochst, 06 February 2009. M.I. Hummel figurines have found a new home in an old location. Starting in February, the production of M.I. Hummel figurines is to resume in Ršdental after ceasing in October 2008. The figurines have been popular throughout the world for over 70 years and are based on designs by Maria Innocentia Hummel. The resumption of production is possible thanks to a new owner who has taken over all the necessary rights and manufacturing facilities from former manufacturer Goebel Porcelain Factory. Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH, which has been newly founded for the purpose, plans to resume operation initially with around 30 employees and will continue the tradition of M.I. Hummel production in Ršdental.
"We have completed our restructuring by selling the M.I. Hummel business. Goebel is now exclusively focussed on our very successful glass and porcelain accessories for the home and as gifts," says Kay Michel, Managing Director of Goebel Porcelain Factory on signing the contract of sale with Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH.
The experience and expertise of M.I. Hummel employees in demand
"Our aim is to return to the high standing that M.I. Hummel figurines used to enjoy with fans and collectors in their heyday. We aim to emphasise originality, excellence and quality rather than quantity," says Jšrg Kšster, owner and managing director of Manufaktur Ršdental.
Kšster plans to make use of the over 70 years of experience available on location in Ršdental when the company resumes M.I. Hummel production. Newly founded Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH will thus be able to rely on all the manufacturing facilities, shapes, colours and rights belonging to Goebel Porcelain Factory's former "M.I. Hummel" business area, which made
M.I. Hummel figurines famous throughout the world.
The quality of form and colour that is characteristic of M.I. Hummel figurines is dependent for the most part on the ability and skills of employees during production. To preserve continuity and quality in this area, the workforce of Manufaktur Ršdental are being recruited from the former M.I. Hummel team. "It was important to us to be able to build on their wealth of experience," says Kšster.
He is a familiar face in the industry. When he took over Hochster Porcelain Factory in Frankfurt in 2001, he took on a difficult task. Nevertheless, he succeeded in gearing this historic brand to the spirit of the times and in reaching new target groups with high spending power.
M.I. Hummel Club to be continued
Manufaktur Ršdental is based at the old site on the Goebel premises, for which it has concluded a long-term rental contract.
For the approximately 130,000 members of the M.I. Hummel Club worldwide, there is yet more good news. "We will retain the service for lovers and collectors and, given the opportunity, expand it further," Kšster announced.
More information about Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur:
Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur has designed and manufactured handcrafted figurines, crockery and ornaments in porcelain since its founding in 1871. In 1935 the first porcelain M.I. Hummel figurines were produced in Ršdental and were manufactured there until the end of October 2008. As part of the company's reorganisation, which is designed to safeguard its future, Goebel has since concentrated exclusively on accessories in the gift and home area. With its Artis Orbis, Adam & Ziege, Bianco e Nero, Nina & Marco, Paradise Garden, Rosina Wachtmeister and Teatime Treasures product lines, and its own Goebel brand, the company has been able to position itself well in this market.
More information about Hochster Porzellan-Manufaktur:
Hochster Porzellan-Manufaktur was established in 1746 by decree of the ruling prince, making it the second oldest porcelain manufacturer in Germany. Ever since, the Mainz wheel has been the trademark of Hochster Porcelain. Its range includes the manufacture and production of hard porcelain of the very highest, handcrafted quality (biscuit porcelain, white glazed and painted porcelain) for gifts and accessories as well as figurines and sculptures. It also makes reproductions of historic porcelain art, exclusive special developments, limited editions, collectors' items and contemporary porcelain art. Since 2002, the "Transparent Manufactory" has been open to groups of visitors. For the last six years, the factory has concentrated on modern design in shape and decoration, and sees its focus as high-quality gift and home accessories. Some of its new products have already been awarded design prizes.
"Wanderer" achieved a respectable 10,000 Euro
"Neue Presse Coburg", Ršdental, page 14, Monday, 20 October 2008 - It was a sensation: The auction of a giant special edition (84 cm / 34 in) "Merry Wanderer with Guitar and Sheet Music", produced especially for this occasion, brought in 10,000 Euro.
In an overflowing Goebel dining facility, Mr. J.F. from Regensburg County in Germany placed the highest bid, much to the delight of Club Manager William Nelson. All active members of the M.I. Hummel Club were eligible to take part in the auction, 200,000 worldwide.
The entire proceeds from the auction go to the fund "Help for Children in Kenya." As highlighted by William Nelson, incidentally an American from Rhode Island who resides in Ebersdorf by Coburg, the fund was founded by Roger Whittaker's son-in-law.
For the last Time - Melancholy could be felt in the air and was mentioned by the Club Manager's wife, Natascha Nelson, Town Councilwoman in Ebersdorf.
It was a sad day and even some tears were shed: The Hummel Club Get-Together was held for the last time under the auspices of Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur. Her husband managed the Club for 22 years.
Sad news from the Convent
Pennington, N.J., September 5, 2008 - We were informed by the Convent of Siessen today that Sr. Radegundis passed away yesterday. The Convent asked us to pass this sad news along to our M.I. Hummel Club members and collectors in North America. Many M.I. Hummel Club members will remember Sister Radegundis through her love and dedication to Sister Hummel and Sister's artwork. Her warm presence at Club conventions, events and visits to the Convent will surely be missed. Goebel of North America and the
M.I. Hummel Club extend our deepest condolences to Sister Radegundis' family, friends, and colleagues and to the Convent of Siessen.
Goebel of North America Latest News from the M.I. Hummel Club
Pennington, N.J., August 29, 2008 - Goebel Germany has recently announced that it will discontinue production of M.I. Hummel figurines on October 31, 2008 and focus its resources on the company's home accessory brands. Current details concerning Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur's
M.I. Hummel business division are as follows:
- The Goebel Information Center in Ršdental, Germany closes at the end of August 2008.
- The production of Hummel figurines at the Ršdental, Germany facility will end on October 31, 2008. Sales will continue as long as supplies last.
- The M.I. Hummel Club Center in Ršdental, Germany will close at the end of September 2008. The North American M.I. Hummel Club Center in Pennington, NJ USA will remain open for business.
- The 2008 International Club Convention in Germany planned for October 17 & 18, 2008 has been cancelled, please read below for more details on this German event. The 2009 International Club Convention in Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY USA is going forward, please visit http://www.mihummelclub.com/eventsTravel_convention.asp to register for the North American event.
We are confident that a new "solution" will soon be found for M.I. Hummel figurine production and for the Club. Goebel is actively working in this direction and we expect to have further information by the October 18th get together in Ršdental, Germany... Visit these pages regularly for the newest information concerning further developments.
As noted above the International Club Convention in Ršdental planned for October 17 & 18, 2008 has been cancelled. We enjoy thinking back on our past Club activities, with much fun and enjoyment for all. Therefore we are pleased to invite you to a member get-together with others sharing your hobby:
When: Saturday, 18 October 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur in Ršdental
Attendance is at no cost. Your guests are also welcome. Factory tours are not possible.
Activities will include (subject to change):
- Sale of special and old M.I. Hummel figurines
- Free archive tours (limited spaces available)
The proud owner of the special-edition jumbo "Merry Wanderer" with guitar and music notes that is being auctioned for the benefit of the Isabella Fund will be announced at approximately 4:00 pm. You have the final opportunity to place your last bid during the get-together.
- Refreshments will be offered for sale.
- Each participating Club member will receive a souvenir.
To help us to plan, please register your attendance by telephone no later than September 22, 2008. (Telephone: + 49 / 95 63 / 72 18 00).
Don't forget: You can continue to help the Isabella Fund provide assistance to children in need by purchasing the two special-edition Roger Whittaker figurines Do You Love It! (Hum 2217/A) and Look What I Made! (Hum 2217/B). They are available for order by Calling Membership Services at 1-800-666-CLUB (2582).
The winner of the jumbo one-of-a-kind "Merry Wanderer" with guitar and music notes will be announced on 18 October 2008 at around 4:00 p.m. See www.goebel.de for complete details!
Goebel of North America supports Goebel Germany restructuring effort
Pennington, N.J., June 18, 2008 - Goebel Germany has recently announced that it will discontinue production of M.I. Hummel figurines and focus its resources on the company's home accessory brands.
"Goebel of North America (GNA) is committed in its support of Goebel Germany as they embark on the recently announced production restructuring. Despite current global economic pressures, GNA's business has remained stable and we are confident in the outlook for the second half of 2008. GNA will collaborate with Goebel Germany to implement a strategic plan that will best serve the North American market and all its stakeholders. We remain confident that the M.I. Hummel brand will emerge from this restructuring significantly stronger" said Goebel of North America President Philip Ferrigno.
Goebel is best known as the creator of M.I. Hummel figurines, renowned collectible works of art depicting Bavarian country children. The firm creates other fine giftware and collectible lines including Goebel Gifts, Artis Orbis, and Rosina Wachtmeister Cats. Goebel of North America is located at Goebel Plaza, 73 Route 31 North, Pennington, NJ 08534. For more information on M.I. Hummel or Goebel products, call 1-800-666-2582; or visit www.mihummel.com.
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