History of Gnomes

At GardenAccentHeaven.com we feature the Kimmel line of high quality gnomes that are made in the USA. The following is the history of gnomes from the experts at Kimmel.

The first clay German Garden Gnome ("der Gartenzwerg") was made in Graeferoda, Thuringia, Germany in the 1800's. The first recorded appearance of a Garden Gnome in England was around 1840 at the estate of Sir Charles Isham, the 10th Baronet of Lamport Hall.

The first two individuals to produce Gnomes in quantity were Philipp Griebel and August Heissner around 1872, with Heissner Gnomes being the most well known throughout the world. Gnomes were, and still are, considered to be more then decorations. It is good luck to place a Gnome in the home and garden.

With the advent of war all of the German Gnome manufacturers dissappeared, their workshops and factories taken over and used for other purposes by the military. During the 60's, a few companies sprang up producing plastic Gnomes that were much easier and cost effective to make and mass produce.

To date, there is only one company, 'Kimmel Gnomes', that exclusively manufactures high quality, handmade clay Garden Gnomes. With new designs and careful reproductions of rare antique Gnomes, Kimmel Gnomes is leading the way and keeping a charming, much loved tradition alive in gardens around the world. View 'Kimmel Gnomes' at www.GardenAccentHeaven.com