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David Heinz Gumbel, Israeli designer and silversmith, born in Germany, 1906–1992.

David Heinz Gumbel's given name was Detlev Heinz. He was born in Sinsheim, Germany to a secular family among the pioneers of the local silversmith industry. In 1918, the Gumbels relocated to Heilbronn where David worked as an apprentice in the "Bruckmann & Sons" factory, becoming a certified steel engraver.

In the late 1920's, Gumbel studied to be a silversmith at the school of applied arts (Kuntsgewerbeschule) in Berlin. Following his studies, Gumbel was employed at workshops in Düsseldorf and Stockholm, as well as in the family factory in Heilbronn. It was there that Gumbel began to design hand-made silver pieces in the modern style. Simultaneously, he produced Jewish ritual objects like a Hannukah lamp, candlesticks, and an eternal light for the synagogue in Tübingen, Germany. In his works, Gumbel used polished silver and other materials, such as ivory.

In 1936, Gumbel left Germany for Palestine and joined the "New Bezalel" as a teacher and Head of the Metal Department, alongside Yehuda Wolpert. Once in the Land of Israel, Gumbel began to work with typography, ostensibly as a result of Wolpert's influence.

Despite Gumbel's modern approach to design, he continued to work with and teach the traditional methods of manual manufacturing, such as repoussé. In the early 1940's, he opened an independent workshop where he produced metalwork and Judaica items using these techniques.

Gumbel retired from his work at Bezalel in 1955.

Some of his most notable works include a three-branched candlestick (1930), a silver pouch for the Declaration of Independence scroll (1949), a Mezuzah case (1960), and an Etrog box (1975).

Education

Apprentice at "Bruckmann & Sons", Heilbronn, Germany
1927 Silversmithing, Kunstgewerbeschula, Berlin

Teaching

1936–56 Metal Department, New Bezalel, Jerusalem