Porcelain is a material that has fascinated people for centuries. It is hard, shiny and fine, and it can be designed in a variety of shapes and colors. One of the most famous places where porcelain is made is the Hungarian town of Herend. There, since 1826, is the Herend Porcelain Manufactory, which is known for its high quality and artistic products.
The history of Herend Porcelain Manufactory began with a potter named Vince Stingl, who opened a workshop near Herend. He experimented with different materials and techniques to create porcelain. However, he was not very successful and soon had to sell his workshop. The new owner was Mór Fischer, a merchant from Pest, who had a great interest in porcelain. He recognized the potential of the workshop and invested a lot of money and energy in improving the production. He hired talented artists and craftsmen who designed new shapes and decorations. He also built his own distillery and a mill to process the raw materials for the porcelain.
Under Fischer’s leadership, the Herend Porcelain Manufactory soon became one of the leading porcelain factories in Europe. He presented his products at various international exhibitions, where they received much recognition and prizes. He also supplied many nobles and celebrities with his porcelain, including Queen Victoria of Great Britain, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Some of his most famous series are the Victoria Service, the Rothschild Service and the Apponyi Service.
Herend Porcelain Manufactory survived two world wars, a communist era and a market economy. It always remained true to its tradition, but also adapted to new trends and needs. Today it is still family-owned and managed by the fifth generation of Fischer descendants. It employs about 1000 people who produce about 10 million pieces of porcelain annually. It exports its products to more than 60 countries and has several of its own stores and museums around the world.
Herend Porcelain Manufactory is not only a factory, but also a school of arts and crafts. It offers training programs for young people who want to learn the craft of porcelain painting. It also promotes research and development of new materials and technologies for porcelain production. It also maintains cooperation with other artists and institutions to create new collections and projects.
Herend Porcelain Manufactory is an example of how a small workshop can become a world-renowned brand. It is a symbol of quality, beauty and creativity. It is a story of art and craftsmanship.
