"A life being lived is the most human form of beauty"
The Alltagsmenschen
by Christel Lechner and Laura Lechner
The Artists
Christel and Laura Lechner
Two strong women stand behind the art of the Alltagsmenschen: Laura and Christel Lechner. The two artists are not only mother and daughter, but they also work and live together in the idyllic Lechnerhof Atelier near Witten.
The lives of the Lechner family have always been defined by art. Since 1996 Christel Lechner and her team have been creating ever new groups of sculptures and installations that keep surprising observers and make them stop and pause for a moment.
Starting in 2004, Laura Lechner - graduated master student of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf - collaboratively supports Christel Lechner in her work. Since years mother and daughter form a unique symbiosis with their different artistic
backgrounds complementing one another.
Christel Lechner's artistic career started in 1978 at the Keramikschule (School of Ceramics) in Landshut and the Werkkunstschule (School of Applied Art) in Münster. In 1982 she obtained the title of master ceramicist. Since 1996 Christel Lechner has devoted herself almost entirely to her lifesize concrete sculptures – the Alltagsmenschen.
In 2001 Laura Lechner qualified as an architectural ceramicist. Parallel to her work as a sculptress, she started painting in 2002. Laura Lechner's art studies took her to the Hochschule für bildende Kunst (university of art and design) in Saarbrücken and the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf where she studied under Peter Doig. She completed her studies there in 2010 and became a master student. Since 2004 she has been supporting Christel Lechner with her work on the Alltagsmenschen. Laura Lechner has been in charge of Atelier Lechnerhof since 2017.
The artists
- Christel Lechner -
The Everyday People sculptures were originally created by Christel Lechner and further developed over many years together with her daughter. Laura Lechner was by her mother's side from the very beginning. She grew up with the sculptures, witnessed the creative process, and contributed her own ideas and impulses from an early age. Today, Laura Lechner continues her mother's work in her own artistic style, imbuing the Everyday People sculptures with her own unique touch.
Christel Lechner's artistic career began in 1978 at the Landshut Ceramics School and the Münster School of Applied Arts. In 1982, she earned her master's degree in ceramics . From 1996 onwards, Christel Lechner worked almost exclusively on life-size concrete sculptures, the "Everyday People."
Working with
the Alltagsmenschen
While Laura Lechner developes pictures of the sculpture groups, Christel Lechner prepares preliminary studies and creates the first draft models. Whereas the first sculptures still seemed relatively static, the Alltagsmenschen are now characterised by a remarkable liveliness that not only results from obvious body movement.
Based on those concepts Laura and Christel Lechner guide their small team through the various stages of the production process. The team is familiar with all steps, although each person has their own area of expertise.
The Alltagsmenschen
The Alltagsmenschen do not aspire to beauty ideals. They wear swimming costumes or shorts, checked shirts and baseball caps; they're completely buttoned up or very casually attired. They show their wrinkles and bulges with something approaching pride. And above all they are at peace with themselves.
The Alltagsmenschen are mindful of the moment: at work, in a moment of idleness or completely relaxed. In chance encounters or smiling contentedly.
Atelier Lechnerhof
The focus of Christel and Laura Lechner's lives and work is their studio: The Atelier Lechnerhof situated in picturesque green countryside near the town of Witten in Germany.
It is here that their ideas start with the first sketches and develop step by step into fully mature sculptures - "The Alltagsmenschen".
Exhibitions, Flyer and News
They stand in public spaces, pedestrian zones and parks, sit on benches or on the promenade, lie on lawns, seem to be busy with shopping or stop for a little chat: the Alltagsmenschen enliven public spaces. And they always cause a stir: The Alltagsmenschen from the Atelier Lechnerhof have long since gained a following throughout Europe and up to 150,000 visitors regularly come to see them.
This year marks the second time the Everyday People sculptures will be on display in Valkenburg.
As a special highlight, our Hetty, the shopping lady, returns to exactly the same spot as in 2024.
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Just in time for the state garden show, the Everyday People sculptures will move into Bad Nenndorf at the end of March 2026 and will be exhibited there for six months.
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SYLT 2026
Of course, the Everyday People sculptures will also be a feature on Sylt in 2026. You can find the 2025 flyer with all locations here:
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For the 21st time, the everyday people are milling about in the city center of Wiedenbrück and enjoying the summer in the city.
Retrospective: Everyday People Exhibitions
For three months, the port city of Bremerhaven will become the stage for the first Everyday People exhibition.
The first Everyday People exhibition in the Fichtel Mountains was a complete success for everyone involved.
The "Everyday People" sculptures were allowed to stay in the city center of Höxter for a full six months and enjoy an unforgettable summer.
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The installation "Boule Group" was allowed to be part of the 9th Bad RagARTz
It will be an art exhibition.
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In March 2024, we had the opportunity to exhibit our Everyday People sculptures for the first time at 19 locations in Valkenburg a/d Geul, Netherlands. We look forward to returning!
Looking back
The Everyday People sculptures were a must-see in Nordkirchen for the 1,250th anniversary celebrations, joining in the festivities in the castle park.
Looking back
For the second time, the Everyday People visited the beautiful Rhine city of Rees on the Dutch border in 2023.
Looking back
In 2021, the Everyday People sculptures populated the sculpture park in Eschborn near Frankfurt am Main.
Looking back
Discover selected Everyday People exhibitions from recent decades.
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