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The Royal Delft Museum has proudly opened an exciting exhibition: ‘Delft Blue: an ode to craftsmanship. Creating and innovating.’ In this incredible display, which runs until 4 January, 2025, visitors can experience a personal view into the world of Royal Delft and the unique, handcrafted process of creating Delft Blue.
Even in this time of high technology, prepare to be impressed by the historic art of Delftware. And after three centuries, discover how artisans still use the same techniques and even adopt new technology as their craftsmanship continues to reflect their passion, precision, and perseverance.
Meet the craftspeople of Royal Delft
The Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles is internationally known as Royal Delft. It has been producing high-quality Delft Blue since 1653. How do they maintain an age-old craft? Suzanne Klüver, the Royal Delft Museum’s curator, explains, “This exhibition tells the story of how we make Delft Blue, and how it relates to its craftspeople both then and now. And what it means to be part of creating artisanal products for over three hundred-and-seventy years. This is something only our museum can truly explain from experience.”
In addition to learning about its historical perspective, visitors can also enjoy learning about the craft’s development and how their skilled artisans have since incorporated modern techniques, such as Artificial Intelligence.
Watch the entire process
Frank Boode, creative architect at the museum, says: “When we asked the Delftware makers about the craft and their passion for innovation, one of them compared the process to an orchestra: There is one person who conducts, the others follow the sound, and ultimately, a beautiful symphony emerges.”
Delftware consists of clay, glaze, and painting. All the work is streamlined as much as possible to create Delft Blue in the most sustainable and ideal process. The exhibition shows visitors each step, from mixing, pouring, and modelling the clay, to hand-painting and the magic of firing in the kiln.
Discover Masterpieces
In this exhibition, the Royal Delft Museum has also borrowed various objects from the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, and Delft Heritage Archaeology. The showcase is a unique clock, also known as a longcase clock, which was provided by Kramer Kunst & Antiek. It is the only known example of its kind. In addition, the painting and its intricate shape highlight that this was a costly and special commission as well as a top achievement by the De Porceleyne Fles makers.
Royal Delft would like to express their special appreciation for this exhibit, thanks to the major shareholders of Royal Delft. “For more twenty years, we have been investing as a family in Royal Delft to keep the craft of Delft Blue alive for current and future generations alike,” say John and Marine Fentener van Vlissingen.
