Introducing Hammer Family Collections: Bringing MABEF Easels Closer to U.S. Retailers
As we listened to the marketplace, we realized that many customers were precluded from purchasing directly from MABEF. Through our evolving relationship with Laura Mariotto and our shared values as family-run businesses, a new path forward became clear.
Launching Hammer Family Collections (HFC)
We’re proud to announce the formation of Hammer Family Collections (HFC), a new company that will begin shipping MABEF easels to U.S. retailers in November 2025 from a stateside 3PL hub in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our mission is simple: make it easier for artists and retailers everywhere to access the craftsmanship and quality that define MABEF.
Why Now
Following strategy sessions with Laura Mariotto and Sandro Totti in Frankfurt (January 2025)—and in light of market shifts after the MacPherson’s closure—we aligned on a refreshed U.S. approach. A key pillar of this plan is a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy (effective August 1, 2025) to stabilize pricing and protect retailers who invest in MABEF floor space and hands-on selling.
A Curated Assortment—Ready for Retail
We’ve assembled a comprehensive assortment of MABEF’s best-sellers across every major category to support a wide range of customers—from student to studio professional:
- Studio Easels (including double-mast and convertible models)
- Lyre Easels
- Table Easels
- Sketch Box Easels
- Field Easels
- Accessories (print racks, sculpture trestles, palettes, wooden boxes)
Inventory will be maintained in the U.S. with marketing support, spare parts stocked domestically, and optional in-store events to help you launch or refresh your MABEF presentation.
Premier Dealer Program
For retailers seeking a deeper partnership, our Premier Dealer Program offers additional benefits, including drop-ship fulfillment for Studio and Sketch Box easels directly to your customers (simple per-order fee), plus merchandising assets like free poster sets and gift-with-purchase opportunities (MABEF palettes) for special events. Program qualifications include a focused, high-impact in-store display of key models.
MABEF: Craftsmanship with a Conscience
Founded in 1948 by Albino Bruno Mariotto near Lake Maggiore, MABEF has evolved from a craftsman’s workshop into a global standard in wooden easels. Innovations like the first portable easel kit (1984) helped shape modern plein-air practice, while a long-standing commitment to sustainability—100% recycling of wood waste and FSC® certification (2004)—keeps environmental responsibility at the core. Today, MABEF exports to nearly 60 countries and guarantees every easel for life, proudly Made in Italy.
Family Values, Global Reach
HFC follows a time-tested model in our industry—acting as a “stocking agent” to bridge brands and markets. In the summer of 2021, every member of the Hammer family helped shape HFC’s ideals and identity, with Abe and Maddy Hammer collaborating on the company’s branding. At our core, we’re a family business serving other families—treating all partners with the same respect, care, and integrity we expect for our own.
How to Work with Us
- Retailers: Request our assortment guide and Premier details (display standards, drop-ship, and marketing assets).
- Dealers: Access U.S. spare parts, merchandising kits, and event support through our team.
- Artists & Educators: Ask your local retailer about MABEF availability and new programs launching in your area.
Shipping for U.S. retailer orders begins November 2025 from Cincinnati, OH.
About MABEF
Established in 1948; innovator of the portable easel kit; FSC® certified since 2004; lifetime guarantee; exporting to nearly 60 countries; Made in Italy.
