Royal Delft (16/03)

Now it’s safe to stay that Delft is a place I have been to before: one of the first places I really fell in love with (click here) and one that I loved sharing with my sister when she came to stay (more on her visit here) and just recently, the lovely IKEA Delft with Ma! However one thing I hadn’t yet seen was one of the Delft Blue pottery factories. A short walk from the centre The Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory seemed the perfect choice...

Included in the price of admission was an audio guide and mini tour to get us started. An initial introductory video taught my 2 friends and I of the Chinese origins in the pottery design and of its rise and then decline in popularity. Indeed at one point the Royal Delft in which we sat was Delft’s sole producer of the now world renowned pottery. The next room took us through the making process, in which automated machinery followed the guide’s voice and video screens seamlessly. It was fascinating to hear that some pottery was still produced using the traditional methods and indeed all pieces are signed using the original trademark signature. We were even able to observe up close one of Delft’s master painters at work!

Following the audio guide round the museum, its beautiful courtyard, working industrial factory and shop (where the prices were astoundingly high, a mark of how highly it is held in esteem!) was truly an experience. Thankfully photos were allowed! There's even a Miffy in the Delft Blue style...