The firm of Goebels opened in 1871 in Thuringia, Germany a town well known for its wonderful porcelain and ceramics. Franz Detleff Goebel and his son, William, began by making slate pencils and children’s marbles, eventually he went on to produce ceramics. In the early years the company concentrated mostly on dinnerware and figurines. Later on the company was taken over by Franzs son William who had a good eye for marketing and fashion. He expanded the product line and changed the company name to W.Goebel Porzellanfabrik. William sent his young son Max Louis to America. Although he returned with many new ideas the company was badly hit by the first world war and the stock market crash and nearly went out of business.
By 1935 the firm was saved by the discovery of the artwork of a Franciscan Sister, Maria Innocentia Hummel, a gifted, academy-trained artist. Her art work of children was being printed in the form of post cards and was proving to be very popular. Goebel produced these children figures as small figurines and they sold very well and are still highly collected today. Since the Second World War, the firm has expanded and increased production, and is now in its sixth generation of family management. The company now consists of seven firms and has over 1800 employees worldwide.
