The Biography of Goebel Hummel Master Sculptor Gerhard Skrobek (1922–2007)

Welcome to the definitive history of Gerhard Skrobek, one of the most prominent and celebrated artisans in the legacy of M.I. Hummel. From his harrowing early life to his decades of monumental contributions at W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik, his intricate work remains highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Early Life and Survival

Born on May 22, 1922, in Leobschütz, Upper Silesia to an upper-class family, Skrobek’s artistic journey began at age five when his mother, an accomplished painter, gifted him a supply of modeling clay. The family moved to Berlin when he was nine, where the city’s museums and culture deeply influenced his creative intellect.

However, the 1930s brought immense hardship as the Nazi regime rose to power. Because his mother was Jewish, the family lived in constant fear. During World War II, Skrobek apprenticed at a Berlin optics factory. This specialized work protected him from the military draft, but his family was eventually fractured when his father was taken to a labor camp. In January 1945, after their home was destroyed in a bombing raid, Skrobek undertook a daring rescue of his mother and sister from besieged Berlin, bringing them to Coburg where the family was eventually reunited at the war's end.

A Legendary Career at Goebel

Determined to pursue art, Skrobek joined the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik in nearby Rödental. While already a talented artist, he had to meticulously learn the complex process of ceramic casting. By 1954, he successfully modeled his very first M.I. Hummel figure: Birdwatcher (Hum 300) 🕊️.

Over the next half-century, Skrobek became a foundational pillar of the Goebel studios. He was celebrated for his ability to translate Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel's two-dimensional drawings into vibrant, three-dimensional sculptures. His work required immense precision, setting the standard for the delicate brushstrokes and the specific, muted color palettes that define classic Hummel porcelain. He also revolutionized the casting process itself by developing the first synthetic resin molds, and he famously sculpted the enormous "Big Boy" Merry Wanderer statues that toured the world.

Whether showcased as a centerpiece in a brightly lit glass curio cabinet or anchoring a warmly lit mahogany library desk, Skrobek’s expressive figures bring a peaceful, historical touch to any curated home.  View the entire works of Gerhard Skrobek here 🎨

The Farewell Tour

After an exceptional 50-year career, Skrobek retired, having traveled the globe as an enthusiastic ambassador for the brand. To honor his legacy during his 2002 farewell tour, Goebel released "The Final Sculpt" (Hum 2180), a limited-edition piece designed by fellow artisan Helmut Fischer. Skrobek passed away near Coburg, Germany, on July 1, 2007, at the age of 85, leaving behind a monumental archive of ceramic art.

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