From One Wendt & Kühn Collector to Another: Nicholas’s Story
There is something special about meeting a fellow Wendt & Kühn collector — each collection tells a story, shaped over time with care, memory, and meaning.
Nicholas from British Columbia has been a cherished customer of Gingerbread World for the past ten years, though his journey as a Wendt & Kühn collector began long before he discovered my little shop. It has been a joy to play a small part in the growth of his collection over the years, helping to source both beloved favourites and harder-to-find pieces.
Among the many figures Nicholas has added to his collection, two feel especially memorable.
One was a true collector’s treasure hunt. When Nicholas discovered that Wendt & Kühn had once created a figure called The Bricklayer — a meaningful connection to the story behind a family name — he hoped to find one. With the help of my wonderful contacts at Wendt & Kühn, we were able to track one down and bring it all the way to Canada.
Another special addition is the large Girl with Colouring Book figure, standing 8½ inches tall, which Nicholas was able to acquire just before it was retired by Wendt & Kühn.
Discovering Wendt & Kühn
The first time Nicholas knowingly encountered Wendt & Kühn figurines was at the iconic Berlin department store, KaDeWe.
“On one of the upper floors there was a large display of the Wendt & Kühn orchestra angels, Blumenkinder, and other specialty figurines. I was completely enchanted.”
Years earlier, he had received a small vintage duck figurine from a family friend — only later discovering that it was a Wendt & Kühn piece dating back to the early 1960s.
Over ten years ago, Nicholas received his first orchestra angel as a gift from family in Germany — a Gold Edition angel reading a book — and from there, his collection continued to grow.
A Growing Collection
Over time, Nicholas’s collection has expanded to include pieces from the Blumenkinder and Friends series — cheerful, colourful figures that bring a sense of lightness and joy.
“Every spring the Easter children are a highlight, especially for the little ones in our family.”
A Favourite Piece: The Grünhainichen Organ
Among all the figures in his collection, one stands out.
“My favourite piece would have to be the Grünhainichen Organ with Angel. The version I have is a music box that plays Silent Night. The sound is exquisite and it truly feels like a small masterpiece.”
He also treasures the original Berry Pickers — a set of three children returning with freshly gathered berries — especially when displayed alongside the iconic Wendt & Kühn trees. This charming trio holds a special place in the history of Wendt & Kühn. Created by Grete Wendt in 1913 for a competition organized by Sächsischer Heimatschutz (Saxon Heritage Protection), the figures were designed as high-quality souvenirs rooted in everyday life. They would go on to become a precursor to the founding of the company itself. In 2015, to mark their 100th anniversary, the Berry Pickers were reintroduced — a thoughtful tribute to their foundational role and to the enduring spirit of Wendt & Kühn, where art drawn from real life has always been at the heart of every figure.
Displaying the Collection
As Nicholas’s collection has grown, he has found thoughtful ways to enjoy it throughout the year — rotating different groups of figures so that each season brings something new to display.
“I now rotate different groups of figures throughout the year so that different series can be displayed at different times.”
Spring, in particular, has become a special moment in his home. His Easter display, featuring Wendt & Kühn’s cheerful children and seasonal figures, brings a sense of freshness and joy after the winter months.
“Every spring the Easter children are a highlight, especially for the little ones in our family.”
While the displays change with the seasons, one beloved group remains constant:
“The Grünhainichen orchestra of angels is always out for everyone to enjoy. The little ones are always fascinated by their charm and character.”
A Closer Look: The Bricklayer
The Bricklayer figure is part of a fascinating chapter in Wendt & Kühn history.
In the 1940s, Grete Wendt created a series of seven “industrious craftsmen” figures, inspired by real trades and everyday life. These figures were closely connected to the spirit of rebuilding in post-war Germany, including the restoration of Dresden.
In 2007, this series was reintroduced as a special offering. In the Eleven Dot Post, Wendt & Kühn reflected on this tradition:
“Art drawn from real life has always been a trademark of Wendt und Kühn.”
For collectors like Nicholas, this figure represents not only craftsmanship, but also a meaningful connection between history and personal story.
A Special Piece: Girl with Colouring Book
The Girl with Colouring Book is a particularly beloved figure among collectors, known for its larger size and gentle, contemplative pose.
This figure has now been retired by Wendt & Kühn — making the final pieces especially meaningful additions to collections.
💡 If you're curious about what it means when a Wendt & Kühn figure is retired, you can read more here: What Does It Mean When a Wendt & Kühn Figure Retires?
A Collection That Lives and Changes
What makes Nicholas’s collection so special is not just the figures themselves, but the way they are enjoyed — rotated through the seasons, shared with family, and appreciated over time.
It’s a reminder that these pieces are not just collectibles, but part of the rhythm of a home.
Explore the Collection
If Nicholas’s story has inspired you, you are warmly invited to explore the Wendt & Kühn figures currently available at Gingerbread World.
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