Pioneering Ceramics at the Prinsenhof

Delftware and the tradition of innovation

The Museum Prinsenhof Delft holds a large collection of Delft earthenware, including the famous Delftware. In the 17th century, the experimental drive of Delftware potters trying to imitate Chinese porcelain led to the development of Delftware. This set off a period of flourishing for ceramics that started in Delft. With the museum’s earthenware collection from the 17th and 18th centuries as a starting point, Pioneering Ceramics opens a dialogue with the creative experiments of today. This brings surprizing similarities and significant differences to the fore. The exhibition clearly shows that innovation is inspired by social change. On the basis of current topics such as sustainability, locality and diversity, the exhibition invites visitors to discover links between then and now.

On display for the first time

Pioneering Ceramics presents a new acquisition of the Museum Prinsenhof Delft: an impressive pair of pike tureens, lavishly decorated trompe l’oeil tableware from the second half of the 18th century. Another example of decorated tableware is a coffee urn in the shape of a lady, one of the treasures taken out of storage for this exhibition. Besides this, the museum puts the spotlight on ceramics of 20 contemporary artists and designers from the Netherlands. The focus is on recent work by new talent. The selection is diverse, paying special attention to autodidactic makers, makers with a non-Western background and makers representing a different perspective. Max Lipsey has made a table from Royal Delft ceramic waste. Benedetta Pompili shows recent work that she made during her residency at the Rijksacademie Amsterdam. And since Asia is still an important source of inspiration today, work by participants in the Creative Residency Arita in Japan will also be on display, including new work by Simone Post.

The exhibition runs from 16 February to 8 September 2024 at the Museum Prinsenhof Delft.