We’ve visited the Manufactory of Herend in Hungary the past few days. It is always a miracle to return to the hometown of the European White Gold. We met the Manufactory leaders, spoke with the painters, and discussed our new ideas with the management. This is a great moment to say a few words about the start of the Manufactory.

The Herend Porcelain Manufactory was founded in 1826 by Vince Stingl in the village of Herend near Lake Balaton. This was located in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now in Hungary. In the following years, the manufactory of the traditional stone pots and porcelain development research continued. The research required so much money that the owner had to sell the factory to Mór Fischer in 1839.

Herend porcelain Fruit Stand with 2 Tier painted in Chinese Bouquet pattern.

Porcelain Manufacturing Started in 1839

Manufacturing fine china porcelain ware started in 1839 and hasn’t been stopped. Since the first World’s Fair in London – where Herend won a gold medal – the factory has had the patronage of royal and noble families. The manufactory was introduced to the public at the first World’s Fair, gaining worldwide attention and fame.

Queen Victoria also Ordered a Set – 1851 – London

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom ordered a set decorated with colorful butterflies and peonies made especially for the fair – the pattern was later named Queen Victoria Décor in honor of the Queen. The products of the manufactory were also introduced to other royal and noble families who attended the event. Since everybody was eager to buy something that was purchased by the Queen herself, noble families started to try to outrun each other by purchasing the most beautifully decorated dinner sets from the Herend Porcelain Manufactory.

Since then, countless royal families and presidents have purchased their Herend afternoon tea sets or dinner services.

Dinner Set for Four Persons – Herend Queen Victoria VBO pattern. Classic design. Herend porcelain is handpainted.

If you are interested in the important dates of the Manufactory of Herend, please read our article on the events in the last 200 years of Herend.

The Manufactory Now Exports to over 60 Countries

The owner of the manufactory, Mór Fischer, became the official purveyor to the royal family – Franz Joseph – in 1872. World’s Fairs played an essential role in the factory’s history since newly developed patterns and shapes were introduced. In 1874, the factory management was given to Mór Fischer’s sons and later had several owners until finally it was nationalized in 1948. In 1993 the factory was privatized, and now it is 75 percent owned by its employees. The Herend Porcelain Manufactory now exports to over 60 countries, e. g. to Russia, Italy, the United States, and Japan.

The Header image represents the Chinese Bouquet – Apponyi pattern. Click here to visit Herend Chinese bouquet – Apponyi page.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

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