Royal Delft

It all started in 1600 when the Dutch East India Company brought back blue painted porcelain from China and a legend was conceived. Fifty-three years later David Anthonisz van der Pieth opened De Porceleyne Fles earthenware factory. Because of fluctuating markets, the company alternately struggled and flourished over the years. The faience industry (high quality, hand-painted, glazed earthenware) reached its zenith by 1695 with 32 factories in Delft.

By 1800 the industry was in decline because of competition from less expensive English Wedgewood and a lack of innovation by Delft potters. By 1840 De Porceleyne Fles was the only remaining earthenware factory in Delft.

The turning point for the company came in 1900 at the World Exhibition when De Porceleyne Fles won the grand prize with a colored ceramic panel (which can still be seen at the Royal Delft factory). In 1919 the word ‘Royal’ was added making the company name Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles. Royal Delft retains the namesake of the city where it was born. It is one of the most readily recognized brand names in the world. 

In 2013 Royal Delft will celebrate its 360^th anniversary.