This page was last updated: December 12, 2011
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Welcome to the newest addition to
THE WALTER BROCKMANN COLLECTION
2010 LIMITED EDITION - "FIRST AND MAIN"©
As indicated on this website earlier, the entire edition is limited to 75 pieces. To understand our definition of "collectibility"
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The 'stylized' letters, 'WB', 'WB Studios','Walter Brockmann Studios' and 'The Walter Brockmann Collection' are the registered trademarks of Frank Paradise, Edmond, Oklahoma.
Department 56 & D56 are the registered trademarks of Escrow Associates, LLC, Atlanta, Georgiargia
Original Design:  Walter Brockmann
   Richard S. Kay

Modified Design:  Frank Paradise

Sculptor:  Dwain Wentworthy

Casting: Garland Molds

Clay Work:  Cheri Mullins
  Frank Paradise

Artists:  Frank Paradise
  Pat Paradise
In 1974, WB Studios, located in St. Louis, Missouri, introduced its first "Lighted Snow House", soon to be followed by five equally unique additions to the collection.

In 1976, the studio added three more buildings, each significantly larger than the earlier releases. Although eight of the first nine were made from commercial molds designed by other companies, the "Copula Mansion" was designed by Walter Brockmann.

At about the same time, Department 56 put out a series of six houses, each virtually identical to those produced two years earlier by WB Studios. D56 followed with three more pieces, again, each virtually identical to the three follow-up pieces from the studio. Although larger than the first six, they were smaller than those produced in St. Louis. (Houses sold by Department 56 were manufactured primarily in Taiwan and China. WB Studios has alway taken pride that all its products are 100% made in the USA.)

A seemingly frustrated Walter refused to release his next personal work, a piece meant to be a companion to the "Copula Mansion".  Instead, he put its drawings and prototype in a file box, only to collect dust in the years that followed. The building was never produced during Mr. Brockmann's lifetime. It was only by luck that we decided to dust off and open the box rather than toss it in the trash as so many similar boxes had been.)

(Walter Brockmann's biography, HERE.)

Today we bring you "First & Main". Hidden away for so long, its very existence was probably unknown to later owners of the studio. It was only by sheer good fortune fortune we found this treasure trove and with great pleasure bring you the "sister" of the "Copula Mansion".

Like the Mansion in size, it too is adorned with a unique, colorful copula. Also like the Mansion, its tin roof design sets it apart from any other building in the Walter Brockmann Collection.

Unnamed in the original documents, we could think of none more fitting than "First & Main". Walter Brockmann and his studio were the FIRST to introduce the often copied Snow Houses. As its originators, they  will always be the MAIN architects of the entire snow type house phenomenon. As befits its designer, the building has been turned into "WB Studios", boldly displayed on its two sided marquee. To no ones surprise, just as Mr. Brockmann did,  the studio provides tours, the times set forth on the 'scroll' gracefully adorning the side of the building. Almost overlooked, the cornerstone of the building is dated 1904, the year of its founders' birth.

Although some changes were made to the original design for technical reasons, the essence of the piece retains the character Walter intended. The building sits upon a cobblestone base with snow still remaining from the last storm. The interior, like its Mansion predecessor, is void but for the bulb that provides light twinkling from each of its windows. And who could argue that Walter looks down, with the same twinkle in his eyes, upon his masterpiece, finally seen by those who have loved those little houses all these years.

AGAIN, WELCOME TO "FIRST AND MAIN"
From  WB Studios and its owners
Frank and Pat Paradise