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Hummel Introduction

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:42:09 +0000

Berta Hummel was born in Bavaria. The year was 1909. Her family owned the general store in the tiny Bavarian village of Massing and they lived upstairs. Her father was an artist that had been forced to give up his dream, so he encouraged the creative side of his young and talented daughter.

Soon, the teachers in her one room school house realized her artistic potential could not be reached unless she recieved a more comprehensive art education. They recommended she be sent to the Institute of English Sisters where she thrived while learning the use of watercolors. At the age of 18 Sister Hummel travelled to Munich to continue her art education.

It was here that her idyllic drawings of children caught the eye of Franz Goebel. He immediately recognized Sister Hummel’s unique talent and commissioned a line of porcelian figurines based on her drawings. Sister Hummel died of tuberculosis at the young age of 37, but her art lives on, providing us with a small delicate window to view her Bavarian childhood memories.

LLadro Introduction

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:41:04 +0000

Three brothers Juan, Jose and Vincent Lladro were working in a factory that made tile and crockery. At night they began to experiment with a Moorish furnace that they built at home. As they perfected their art it did not take long for people to notice the beauty of their porcelain figurines. They discovered a one layer firing technique that resulted in the breathtaking pastels and brilliant finish that are the signature of Lladro art.

LLadro’s most famous pieces are these porcelain figurines. You will find my collection on the following pages. One look and you will understand how collecting these artistic masterpieces can quickly become an obsession!

Clark Introduction

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:39:40 +0000

Tom Clark’s whimsical sculptures hide his serious dedication to art. He is an art scholar with a PHD who began creating gnome sculptures in 1978. You don’t have to know a lot about art to find tremendous joy in his work.

Calling them “woodspirits” and using pecan shells from his native North Carolina, Dr. Clark has created one of the most enjoyable to collect figurines. They brighten your home and bring a smile to every visitor. I take special pride in my collection of Clarks as they have all been signed by the artist. What a nice man!

Haviland Introduction

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:37:59 +0000

Here is an interesting fact about Haviland china. Most people know that Haviland china is manufactured in France. But, did you know that David Haviland was from New York? David Haviland owned a New York china shop but relocated to France to be near the mines where the very special clay that is used to make Haviland porcelain was located. In 1853 he established his own company to produce china to be sold in America.

There are thousands of Haviland patterns and the value of your Haviland pieces will be determined by the popularity of the pattern and how rare it is. Besides the wonderful variety of available patterns there is something that makes Haviland china even more fun to collect. China painting has been a popular hobby for over a hundred years and many of the finest china painters have used Haviland blanks as the canvas for their works.

Waterford Crystal Introduction

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:36:41 +0000

Although as a company Waterford Crystal has had it’s ups and downs, starts and stops. One thing has remained constant. The absolute beauty of their products. Displayed for English royalty as chandeliers in Windsor Castle and American high society in Kennedy Center. Ringing in the new year as the giant ball in Times Square. Held high as trophies for tennis, football and racing champions. Waterford Crystal is recognized as the most breathtaking examples of a beautiful craft.

Clark Large Pieces – Amazing!

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:23:04 +0000

The detail is exquisite. This Clark figurine is my pride and joy!

Clark Large Pieces – Abe Lincoln

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:16:28 +0000

Dr. Clark certainly outdid himself with this amazing work. Abe Lincoln weighs over 30 lbs!

Clark Figurines That Are Irresistable

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:10:25 +0000

When I think of Clark figurines I think mischevious. There is such attention to detail that I often imagine that they only freeze when I am looking at them. As soon as I look away they move and live again! They are welcome dwellers in my home that brighten every room. Here are a few that are guaranteed to bring a smile.

Lladro Five Favorites

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:49:41 +0000

Lladro Porcelain has a truly timeless beauty. I never get tired of admiring the pieces I am lucky enough to own. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hummel Large Figurines

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:43:29 +0000

Here are some of my larger Hummel Figurines. I am always finding some new small detail I had not noticed before. These are the type of pieces that make collecting so enjoyable!