This piece is part of an extensive private collection of Hummel figurines and was generously donated by Edith Jones.  The collection was started by her mother, and spans three generations.  Edith is a long-time member of the Fort Worth League of Women Voters, and currently serves on the state board of directors.

Hummel children are the inspiration of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel.  This talented German artist was discovered by porcelain manufacturer Franz Goebel in the 1930s after a small publisher began printing her artwork as postcards.  He reached an agreement with Sister Maria and the Convent of Seissen, and was granted sole rights to reproduce her art in three-dimensional figurines.  First introduced in 1935, they were immediately successful.  World War II interrupted production, but at the end of the war, demand suddenly increased as troops began buying the figures to bring home from Europe.  Today, Sister Maria’s art still inspires all Hummel figurines, which continue to be hand-made by Goebel Inc. and produced under the auspices of the artistic board of the Convent of Seissen.