Zwethkanaal

Today we visited the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles which translates to The Porcelain Jar, and is also known as the Royal Delft factory. Founded in 1635, it is the last remaining active earthenware factory of the original thirty-two factories that operated in Delft during the 17th century. Delftware production has been in continuous operation here for over 350 years with the story of Royal Delft dating back to the year 1653 when the production of the unique Delft Blue earthenware began in the Netherlands. It was inspired by blue painted porcelain brought back from China which was unique and never seen before in Europe. So began a love affair for the Dutch and the Delft Blue porcelain.

Nowadays, antique collectors recognize that delftware produced by De Porceleyne Fles, (also known as Royal Delft) is the gold standard in delftware. The earthenware produced at Koninkliike Porceleyne Fles is individually coded with a factory mark, item number, artist's initials, a date code, and even a certificate of authenticity.

Visiting the factory was such an interesting and informative visit and the way the information is presented is engaging. We got to walk through the factory and see the process of creating these beautiful pieces. It so understandable why each piece is so expensive. I fell in love with the porcelain houses but at €245 each, I had to make do with some cheaper replicas.

Also on display in the Royal Delft Factory was an art display called Flowers in Blue by Bas Meeuws, a digital artist who created stunning pieces on acrylic of gorgeous floral arrangements in the beautiful Delftware vases. The colours were so vibrant and the pieces of art were stunning. It is fantastic seeing artists being featured in the historic places in Delft, such a contrast between old and new. Delft certainly sets the standard when it comes to amalgamation between history and our modern era. It has really impressed us.Read more