Last updated on December 3rd, 2024
We visited the Royal Delft Museum and Factory in the charming Dutch city of Delft. This place is a must-see for anyone who loves exquisite pottery or wants to learn about Dutch culture. The museum shows how Delft Blue pottery has been made for almost 400 years, using the same methods as in the 17th century.
Walking through the museum, we saw amazing pieces of Delft Blue pottery from different times. The detail on some of the vases and plates blew us away. We even got to watch skilled artists paint intricate designs by hand. It was cool to see how much work goes into each piece.
If you have the time and an interest, try painting your own tile. It’s harder than it looks! I suggest booking a workshop in advance if you want to try it yourself. The factory store also has great souvenirs, but be ready – authentic Delft Blue can be pricey. You can find a few affordable pieces if you’re OK with machine-made instead of handmade. Still, I think it’s worth it for a special keepsake from your trip.
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History of Delft Blue Pottery
Delft pottery has a rich past that spans centuries. It’s a story of innovation, artistry, and Dutch pride.
Origins and Development
Delft Blue pottery got its start in the early 1600s. Dutch potters were trying to copy Chinese porcelain in the 17th century. They couldn’t get the recipe quite right, so they made their own version. Early Delft potters faced many challenges. Getting the right materials was tough. Firing the pottery was tricky too. But they kept at it and got better over time.
They used local composite clay and covered it with a white tin glaze. Then they painted it with black paint that turned cobalt blue when fired at around 1000 degrees Celsius. The result? A beautiful blue and white pottery that looked a lot like Chinese porcelain.
While traditionally blue and white, Delftware also experimented with other colors like red and gilding, requiring multiple firings.
Rise to Prominence
Delft Blue pottery really took off in the mid-1600s. The Dutch East India Company couldn’t bring in enough Chinese porcelain to meet demand. Delft stepped up to fill the gap.
Soon, Delft Blue was all the rage. Rich folks loved it. Even royalty started collecting it. Queen Mary II of England popularized Delftware by commissioning numerous pieces for her palaces. The pottery showed up in paintings by famous Dutch artists like Vermeer. Patterns often included tulips, windmills, and sailing ships.
By 1700, there were about 30 pottery factories in Delft. Each one tried to outdo the others with new designs and techniques. It was a golden age for Delft Blue.
Although named after Delft, similar pottery was produced in other European cities, including London and Rouen. The resurgence of interest in the 19th century led to many imitations, making it difficult to distinguish originals from replicas.
The Royal Delft Factory
The Royal Delft Factory, or De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, has a special place in Delft Blue history. It’s the last remaining Delft Blue pottery factory from the 17th century.
Founded in 1653, this factory has seen it all. It survived wars, economic ups and downs, and changing tastes. In 1919, it earned the “Royal” title from Queen Wilhelmina.
Today, Royal Delft keeps the tradition alive. They still use many old techniques. But they also create modern designs. I was amazed to see skilled artists at work there, painting intricate patterns by hand.
Contemporary Delftware
In 1988, De Porceleyne Fles began creating modern ceramics. Since then, contemporary artists like Jan Snoeck and Borek Sipek have collaborated with the factory. Over the years, special collections have been released with artists such as Dick Bruna and Henk Schiffmacher. The Blue D1653 line by Arjen Brekveld launched in 2012, and the Proud Mary line debuted in 2019.
Look for the hand-painted mark on authentic Royal Delft pieces. It’s a guarantee of quality and heritage.
Planning Your Visit to Royal Delft
I’ve got all the details you need to make your trip to Royal Delft smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you should know about hours, tickets, getting there, and tours.
Opening Hours and Ticket Information
Royal Delft is open Monday through Sunday from 9.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m except for a few holidays in the year. Adult tickets cost €15, while youth and kids get discounts. Entry is free for holders of certain passes, like the Museum Card and Rotterdam Pass.
Visit on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. I found it much quieter and easier to explore then.
Getting to the Museum
Royal Delft sits about a 20-minute walk from Delft’s main train station. Just head east along Phoenixstraat and you’ll spot the iconic blue and white building. There is also a bus (No. 40) that takes you close to the museum to stop Delft, Jaffalaan.
If you’re driving, there’s a paid parking lot right next door. I’d suggest using public transport though – it’s cheaper and easier.
You can easily include a visit here if you follow my guide on what to see in Delft in one day.
Guided Tours and Activities
The museum offers an audio tour that’s included in your ticket. You’ll learn a lot about the pottery-making process and the history of Delftware this way.
Make sure to catch the painting demonstration. It’s amazing to watch the artists at work – their skill is mind-blowing.
For a hands-on experience, try the tile-painting workshop. It costs extra, but you get to take home your own piece of Delft Blue. Book this in advance, as spots fill up fast. These are held every week from Tuesday to Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Plan for about 2 hours to see everything. This gives you time for the guided tour, a workshop if you want to try it, and browsing the exhibits and shop. If you’re really into pottery, you might want to stay longer.
What to Expect at the Royal Delft Museum
The Royal Delft Museum offers a rich experience for pottery fans and curious visitors alike. We had a great time exploring the various areas and learning about this iconic Dutch craft.
The Showrooms
The showrooms will blow you away with stunning displays of Delft Blue pottery. Hundreds of pieces line the shelves, from tiny figurines to massive vases. You’ll spot classic designs like windmills and canal houses, plus modern takes on the blue and white style.
Delft Blue is the most famous Royal Delft Porcelain, but the colorful Polychrome has also been part of the Royal Delft collection since 1879.
The museum does a nice job of mixing old and new. Historic pieces sit next to contemporary artworks, showing how the craft has evolved. I really liked the room dedicated to royal commissions – it’s cool to see the fancy plates and decorations made for Dutch royalty over the centuries. Among the royal collections is a special one that was donated by King William III in 1887.
Take your time in here. There’s so much detail to soak in on each piece.
The Architectural Elements in the Building
Royal Delft has created architectural ceramics for landmarks like the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, and the Old Post Office in Rotterdam.
At the Royal Delft Museum, we saw replicas and examples of these works, mainly from 1880 to 1930. The ceramic rooms and courtyard feature pillars, tile tableaus, ceramic elements, and even a fountain.
Special Exhibitions
There is almost always a special exhibition going on that you can view without needing a separate ticket.
When we visited, to mark the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, the Royal Delft Museum was showcasing a unique selection of his ceramic works.
Picasso’s works are diverse because he never stuck to one style. He constantly experimented with different styles, materials, and methods throughout his life. Unlike any other 20th-century artist, he effortlessly switched between mediums like oil paint, wood, bronze, graphic techniques, glass, and ceramics.
This exhibition highlighted his life as a ceramist and his contributions to ceramic art.
Live Demonstrations
Watching the live demonstrations was a highlight of our visit. We got to see skilled artists at work, painting intricate designs freehand. It’s amazing how steady their hands are!
The demo area has a few workstations where painters show different stages of the process. They paint with black paint, and the firing process turns it the signature blue. One artist explained how they build up layers of glaze to get that exquisite look. Another demonstrated the tricky art of painting on the curved surface of a vase.
If you time it right, you can catch a pottery throwing demo too. Seeing the potters shape a lump of clay into a delicate vase in minutes is pretty impressive.
The Delftware Workshop
You may find the workshop the most fun part of the museum. Here, visitors can try their hand at painting their own Delft Blue tile. You don’t have to be an artist, as the staff are super helpful and patient.
They provide all the materials – a blank tile, blue paint, and brushes. There are sample designs to copy, or you can create your own. Your windmill may turn out a bit wobbly, but it will be a blast to make!
The workshop is great for kids, but adults will enjoy it too. It gives you a new appreciation for the skill of the real Delft painters.
Remember that you can’t take your tile, plate, or Vermeer house with you if you use traditional black paint because it has to be baked to turn your art blue. You can return in about 3 weeks to pick it up or have it delivered to you after paying the shipping cost.
Gift Shop and Restaurant
This is one gift shop that didn’t disappoint. It’s packed with Delft Blue items, from affordable magnets and keychains to high-end hand-painted pieces. We picked up quite a few pieces as souvenirs. It wasn’t cheap, but the quality is amazing.
Delftware isn’t just for display anymore. We saw so many cool, practical items that blend the old and new. There were sleek Delft blue coffee mugs, perfect for a morning cappuccino, and serving trays with floral Royal Delft patterns. And check out the Delft blue miniature houses – they’re a hit with tourists and locals alike.
Some artists are pushing boundaries with unexpected color combos. We spotted vibrant orange and blue pieces that really pop. Others play with form, creating abstract sculptures that barely resemble traditional pottery.
They also sell DIY painting kits if you want to continue the fun at home. One quirky find? Delft blue temporary tattoos. They’re a fun way to rock the style without committing to a real tattoo.
The museum café is a nice spot to rest your feet after all that exploring. They serve simple Dutch snacks and drinks.
Check the museum’s website before you visit. They often have special exhibitions featuring up-and-coming Delft artists.
Collecting and Caring for Delftware
Delftware pieces are beautiful and historically significant. I’ve learned some key tips for finding genuine items and keeping them in top shape.
Identifying Authentic Pieces
Delft Blue pottery can be found across the Netherlands, especially in places that showcase Dutch history, like Zaanse Schans. When you shop for Delftware, always check for a few telltale signs of authenticity. Real pieces often have a slightly uneven glaze and tiny imperfections. Look for the maker’s mark on the bottom – it should be clear and match known historical marks.
Since 1879, each hand-painted item from De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles bears a unique mark: a jar, the initials JT overlapping, and the word “Delft”. The painter’s initials are on the left, and a year code on the right. Use the year code list to determine when your Delftware was made.
Genuine antique Delftware feels heavy for its size. The blue designs are usually hand-painted, so check for slight brush strokes and variations. New pieces tend to have smoother, more uniform designs.
I’ve found that prices can vary widely. It’s worth getting an expert opinion on valuable antiques before buying. Some reproductions can be quite convincing!
Maintenance and Display Tips
I’ve picked up some handy tricks for caring for my modest Delftware collection. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean pieces. A soft, damp cloth works best for dusting. For deeper cleaning, I use mild soap and lukewarm water. I’m extra careful with antique items – soaking can damage old glazes.
To prevent chips and cracks, I display pieces away from high-traffic areas. Plate stands work great for showing off decorative plates safely.
I avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the blue designs over time. Rotating items every few months helps prevent uneven fading.
For storage, I wrap each piece in acid-free tissue paper. Sturdy boxes with dividers keep everything protected and organized.
