Sophie van de Ven was our museum guide and she told the story of Delft ceramics. She explained that each piece is a hand-painted work of artwork. She explained that Delft blue ceramics were one of the very first products which fused East and Western cultures, unifying them through design. Today, its legacy is still appreciated by people around the globe. Royal Delft’s tradition is alive and well in each brushstroke. Van de Ven explains that unlike most modern producers, this manufacturer still makes each piece by hand. This transforms earthenware into artworks rich in depth and detail.
The secret to Delft Blue ceramics is also revealed: what starts out as a dark pigment made of cobalt oxide becomes a brilliant blue when fired. The results are never the same, and each plate or vase has its unique character.
Van de Ven replies: “Our products remain handmade and we are committed to preserving the traditional craft. Our factory is a place where knowledge is handed down from masters to apprentices, allowing the tradition to continue while preparing for the next generation. Our mission is to preserve this craft and ensure Delft Blue Pottery continues for generations.
The museum today offers a wide range of activities to suit all visitors. You can tour the museum and see ceramicists at work, attend painting workshops and drink a beverage in a ceramic cup painted by an artist. The museum receives approximately 140,000 visitors each year. Many of them leave with not only vivid memories but also a piece or Delft pottery. They become ambassadors of the brand and help to ensure its survival.
Ceramics and beyond
There are many places to eat around the Beestenmarkt and Market Square in Delft. Moeke (16, Beestenmarkt) is a great place to enjoy a beer with a hamburger, ribs, or other food. De Waag is located behind the Town Hall on the Market Square. They serve chicken satay, meat croquettes, and more. You can also find Spanish cuisine at La Tasca, Voldersgracht 13 (cross the Kruyersbrug). They serve ajoblanco broth, crema Catalana and many other Spanish favorites.
