The history of our traditional company began in 1898 in Bechhofen, a tranquil town near Nuremberg and Ansbach. Karl Feurer founded a small brush manufactory there, which even then produced a wide range of fi ne hair brushes, including quill brushes. The company soon grew and in 1903 moved to Burk, a Franconian village surrounded by fields and forests.
The first brushes found their way to customers in the region, before eventually gaining recognition far beyond the borders – as far as England and the USA. Although the Second World War and the years that followed brought numerous challenges, each generation of the Feurer family continued the business with determination. The manufactory blossomed anew. In 2003, Katrin and Thomas Hackenberger took over the valuable legacy. Together with their son Martin, they continued to develop the kolibri® brand with diligence and a spirit of innovation. Over the course of an eventful century, a one-man business has become a symbol of consistent quality, artistic freedom and responsible behaviour.
Since 2022, Franconian craftsmanship has remained alive under the umbrella of Mesko-Pinsel GmbH – ready to take on new challenges and carry our traditional values into a successful future
Our traditional kolibri brush manufacture was founded by Karl Feurer in 1898 in Bechhofen, Germany. Even in the beginning of establishment we produced a wide range of fi nest hair and quill brushes. In 1903, the company moved to Burk, seven kilometres away, for reasons of expansion.
From 1903 until 2021, kolibri® Künstlerpinsel was headquartered in Burk, a small village in Middle Franconia.
1936 Karl’s son, Otto, took over the manufacture together with his wife, who lead it through the times of the 2nd world war. Providing the raw material turned out to be difficult and export turnovers from England and the USA stopped until 1950/51.
1960 Edward followed in his father’s footsteps and with his dedication, hard work and reliability managed to attract new customers with our handmade brushes.
2003 Katrin and Thomas Hackenberger became the new owners, Who felt dedicated even obligated to continue the production of high-quality products. Therefore, the son Martin completed, after an apprenticeship as a carpenter, a in total 6-year education to become a master in the art of brush making. From 2012 until 2022, Martin Hackenberger managed production with great commitment and monitored the quality of the brushes.
Since January 1st, 2022, the production of the traditional brand kolibri® brushes is part of Mesko-Pinsel GmbH. The most important message is that with this takeover a further step has been taken to bundle competence and to preserve the traditional Franconian craft of the brush makers in the region and to further develop it in a sustainable way. As production manager for artists‘ brushes, Martin Hackenberger continues to take great care to ensure that the proven kolibri® quality is maintained for generations to come.
