Royal Delft, established in 1653, is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century. The world famous Royal Delftware is still entirely hand painted according to centuries old tradition.
History
The history of Royal Delft goes back to the 17th century. Tradesmen of the Dutch East India Company (founded in 1602) brought back large quantities of Chinese porcelain from the Far East. This type of porcelain, which was decorated in blue on a white background, was very popular among the Dutch, and soon afterwards Dutch potters started to imitate it. Porcelain was a material unknown in the Netherlands, and so the potters attempted to imitate the Oriental products as well as they could with local clay. They succeeded in a relatively short period of time, and shortly after that a large number of factories were founded especially in the city of Delft (over 30).
“De Porceleyne Fles” ( The Porcelain Jar) was founded in 1653 by David Anthonisz. v. d. Pieth, at the center of Delft. At the end of the 19th century only a small part of the once so prosperous industry was left and the production of the old techniques was largely given up and been changed to printed, mass produced articles.
In 1876 Joost Thooft, a delft engineer, bought the factory with the intention of restoring the old tradition of producing hand painted Delft Blue. Knowing that people had no more confidence in the older, fragile earthenware, he realized that he would rigorously have to change the technique. Together with Abel Labouchere, his associate since 1884, he succeeded in finding a mixture of clay that resembled the stronger, white English earthenware. From then on, they produced a product that obtained worldwide fame. Royal Delft became known all over the world.
Collection
The Royal Delft collection still consist of a extended variety of items such as tulip vases, plates, vases and tableware. All items are painted by hand by our master painters and carry our trademark, painters initials and year code. It is possible to personalize your Delft Blue with your own text or logo. Ordering can be on a piecemeal basis but a series is also possible. We could even develop a totally new design for you.
Visit to the factory
You can also visit the Royal Delft Experience today and discover the world of Delft Blue. It includes a journey through the history of Delft Blue and Royal Delft and through the development and production process. You will see the master painter at work and visit the factory. Also the museum with antique Delft pieces and the historical courtyard can be seen.
Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR DELFT
Tel.: 015- 251 20 30 info@royaldelft.comwww.royaldelft.com
