Chronic
5 Generations
A Tradition-Rich Company with a Future
Art Factory Schmäke has been based in Düsseldorf for over 95 years, where the art of foundry work boats a long distinguished history.
The company was founded on April 1, 1926 by Gustav Schmäke and was subsequently led into its second generation by Herbert Schmäke.
Prof. h.c. Karl-Heinz Schmäke, a close partner of the arts, passionately expanded the business in its third generation, establishing it internationally and sharing his expertise through teaching.
Today the Schmäke foundry is led by Dominik Schmäke an Gillian Schmäke, who are among the youngest master founders in Germany.
Dominik Schmäke und Gillian Schmäke
5th Generation – Guided by tradition, focused on the future, and driven by a passion for art, Dominik and Gillian Schmäke now jointly serve as Managing Directors of the company.
Kirsten Schmäke und Tessa Schmäke
4th Generation – Sisters Kirsten and Tessa Schmäke have led the company with dedication and a passion for art, initially alongside Karl-Heinz Schmäke and now in harmony with the 5th generation.
Prof. h.c. Karl-Heinz Schmäke
3rd Generation – Karl-Heinz Schmäke took over the company in 1968 and expanded it through his achievements. Under his leadership, the Schmäke name became globally recognized for its quality and continues to operate internationally today. In addition to managing the business, he taught at the Düsseldorf Art Academy and was awarded an honorary professorship during his career. Throughout his long tenure as an artistic and technical instructor at the Academy, he shared his expertise in casting techniques with students. He assisted in creating artworks, producing molds, and wax models in the Academy’s workshop. To this day, he remains an advisor to the company.
Herbert Schmäke
2nd Generation – In 1954, Herbert Schmäke (born November 19, 1916 – September 1, 1988) took over the company. He led the foundry until 1968.
Gustav Schmäke
1st Generation – The foundry was founded on April 1, 1926, by Gustav Schmäke (born July 3, 1887 – November 22, 1954) in the basement rooms of the studio at Nordpark, Sittarder Straße, also known as the building of the old pumping station.
Committed to tradition and embracing the innovation of today, the art foundry Schmäke has successfully transitioned into the 21st century as a modern manufacturing enterprise.
Throughout great emphasis has been placed on close collaboration with artists. As a tradition-rich family business, the foundry has enjoyed the loyalty of an international clientele for many years.
This includes not only renewed artists but also art dealers and architects, galleries and museums, as well as churches and communities.
Location at Im Liefeld
Foundry craftsmanship in Düsseldorf.
To realize entirely new dimensions in the creation and presentation of sculptures, the Düsseldorf Oberbilk location has been continuously expanded and adapted to meet growing demands.
At Schmäke artists find a partner for large meter-high individual pieces as well as small to medium-size series. The foundry faithfully produces works based on artist-created models using either sand mastering or lost-wax mastering methods.
Craftsmanship is the foundation, complemented by modern technology applied wherever necessary.
Craftsmanship is the foundation, complemented by modern technology applied wherever necessary.
Our clients benefit from both advanced production techniques and the extensive expertise our team has developed over many years, ensuring outstanding quality in every project.
Art factory Schmäke and its dedicated team are renowned worldwide for their exceptional craftsmanship.