Wendt & Kühn: Unternehmenshistorie | Holzfiguren & Engel aus Holz von Wendt & Kühn

1915

On October 1, the partnership “M. Wendt & M. Kühn” is founded. Among the first products are angels holding candles, wooden chests,
turned boxes and candelabras.

1916

A half-timbered house in Grünhainichen is purchased
and extended to house the headquarters of the company.

The company exhibits at the Leipzig Spring Fair.

1919

Johannes Wendt, the brother of Grete Wendt, becomes co-owner
and takes over the commercial management of the manufactory.

Professor Margarete Junge produces a design for the company logo.

1920

Olly Sommer joins Wendt & Kühn and subsequently
becomes an influential designer alongside Grete Wendt.

Grete Kühn leaves the manufactory on her marriage.

1923

Grete Wendt designs the first three Grünhainichen Angels®.

1924

The company produces its first catalogue.

1929

Grete Wendt designs the first Blossom Kinder.

1930

In February, Olly Sommer and Johannes Wendt marry,
and before the year is out twins Hans and Sigrid are born.

1936

A new workshop is built at the headquarters in Grünhainichen, considerably increasing the size of the production area.

1937

The Angel Mountain with Madonna is awarded a gold medal
and the Grand Prix at the Paris World Exhibition.

1940

The 25th anniversary of the company is overshadowed by the
Second World War. Johannes Wendt manages to avoid direct
involvement in armaments production. The company makes
wooden models of ships and vehicles for officer training schools instead.

1945

In the fall, Johannes Wendt is deported to the Soviet Union
and dies in an internment camp before the end of the year.

1951

Business improves steadily and the company produces
its first catalogue since the Second World War.

1957

Hans Wendt joins Grete Wendt to become co-owner of the manufactory.

1960

Exports are stepped up, and the centrally planned and distributed
range for the domestic market is further reduced.

1966

The company exhibits at the Leipzig Trade Fair for the 100th time.

1972

Wendt & Kühn is compulsorily nationalized and renamed
“VEB Werk-Kunst”. Hans Wendt is appointed Works Director.
Grete Wendt leaves the manufactory after working there for 57 years. Despite the trend towards mass production stipulated by the command economy, Hans Wendt manages to preserve the character of the products.

1979

Grete Wendt dies in Grünhainichen at the age of 92.

1990

Wendt & Kühn is reprivatized. As managing partner Hans Wendt
ensures that Wendt & Kühn KG gets off to a successful new beginning.

1991

Olly Wendt dies in Grünhainichen at the age of 95.

1995-2014

The workshop buildings in Grünhainichen are refurbished
and substantially extended.

2002

At the beginning of the year Hans Wendt hands over the reins
of the manufactory to his son Tobias.

In October, Hans Wendt is awarded the Federal Cross of Merit
in recognition of his life’s work.

2003

Wendt & Kühn World of Figures opens in Seiffen.

2005

The first edition of Wendt & Kühn’s customer magazine
the “eleven dot post” is published.

2007/2013

The original six Marguerite Angels designed by Olly Wendt and
the 18 Blossom Kinder originally created by Grete Wendt are
carefully refined and expanded into an extensive series of figurines.

2007/2015

With the Gold Edition and the puristic “White Timbre” Edition
new series of figurines appear.

2008

Hans Wendt dies on 10 September at the age of 77.

2011

Claudia Baer, née Wendt, and Dr. Florian Wendt
take over the management of the manufactory from
their brother Tobias as general partners.

2012

Within Germany 700 specialist retailer are authorized to sell
Wendt & Kühn figurines. In this way Wendt & Kühn guarantees
its admirers the highest quality and care not only in the production
of its products, but also in the service they receive when they buy.

2013

In October, Wendt & Kühn World of Figures celebrates
its 10th anniversary with its regular customers, employees
and supporters, and welcomes its millionth visitor.