"The Delftware Explosion"

This week we're looking at Delft pottery, something which was introduced in the 16^th century & which is very popular today.

We'll start by taking a quick glance at the city of Delft- the city is located between Rotterdam & the Hague in the Netherlands.

Delft is famous not only for its pottery but also for its canals & for the famous artist Johannes Vermeer who painted domestic interior scenes seen in middle class living at the time (mid 1600's).

In 1572 William Of Orange took up residence in Delft during the Eighty Years War. Delft, with its city walls for protection served as headquarters during this time & became one of the leading cities in Holland. 

"The Delft Explosion" or "Thunderclap" occurred in 1654 when a gunpowder store exploded & killed over 100 people. Many Delft potted pieces depict the devastation of the Delft Explosion. 

Delftware pottery or ceramics primarily include tiles, crockery & ornaments which have been glazed (the white portion) & decorated with metal oxides.

Delft blue would possibly be the more collectable range although there are many Delft colour schemes hugely sought after today.

Delft pottery was inspired by the Chinese porcelain imports of the 17^th century. 

At the time, only the very wealthy could afford this porcelain. Delft potters began imitating Chinese pieces when there was an interruption of trade imports around the time of the death of the Wanli Emperor of China.

The city of Delft, being a home port of the Dutch East India Company, had adopted these inspirations very early.

Tin glazed pottery came about during the early 16^th century (tin glazed pottery is valued by its ability to be easily coloured). Simpler pieces were manufactured in Rotterdam & Amsterdam (amongst other cities) but the finer, more elaborate pieces were created in Delft.

Delft manufacturers and potters introduced personal Delft markings during the 1640s. It was during the next 100 years which Delft made its finest pieces and the industry saw quite a lot of demand for such fine creations.

From approx 1615, potters started coating tin glaze on their pieces and covered this in a clear glaze. This gave depth to the cobalt blues seen in Delft, which resembles the blues seen in Chinese porcelain pieces.

Delft designs range from plain and uninteresting to elaborate and beautiful. Some plates may have only had a very small motif in their centre. Others had detailed hunting or fishing scenes seen in every day Dutch living.

Some plates were even embellished with music notes and lyrics on them and at a party when the food was eaten and the notes could be seen, the guests would sing this song together.

Many Dutch houses still have tiles on their floors and walls which were fitted during the 17^th century.

Delftware manufactured in the Netherlands after 1750 is widely considered to be inferior to that made during the 17^th century.

By the end of the 18^th century, British porcelain had taken over the market and as a result many Dutch Delft manufacturing businesses closed down.

For a bit of fun- A British Airways Delft inspired tail fin! 

If you are looking for an original piece of Delftware, look for the Delfts Blauw symbol (found underneath the base) to indicate authenticity and rarity. These originals are collectibles and can sell for surprising amounts.

Martin - Hudson & Gibson Interior Designers have an interesting collection of Delftware which may be viewed by appointment. To arrange for a private viewing, call us today on 01 284 3486.

Ciara Eloise Nolan.