Włocławek faience has joined the European Ceramics Route. This is a prestigious network operating under the patronage of the Council of Europe, which is why the Polish town has received such a significant honour. For over 150 years, its name has been associated primarily with distinctive pieces decorated with cobalt flowers.
European recognition for the city of faience
Joining the European Route of Ceramics Association means that Włocławek is now part of a group of renowned ceramic centres from France, Spain, Italy and Germany. Such membership creates opportunities for international cooperation and the promotion of the city among foreign tourists. Włocławek faience plays a key role here, recognisable thanks to its hand-painted cobalt decorations.
Włocławek faience – history
The history of Włocławek faience began in 1873, with the opening of the first factory on Żelazna Street. Following a fire, the factory was rebuilt by Józef Teichfeld and Ludwik Asterblum, and in the years that followed, other manufacturers also carried out similar activities, including Leopold Czamański’s factory. After the Second World War, the factories were nationalised, and from 1973 onwards they operated as the Włocławek Tableware Factory.
Cobalt patterns and artists
Over the years, the forms of Włocławek’s products have changed, yet floral motifs have remained their hallmark. The most popular were the hand-painted “Włocławki”, created through collaboration between designers, artists and experienced painters. An important figure of this period was Jan Sowiński, the creator of hundreds of ceramic designs. In later years, the faience also inspired contemporary creators, from fashion designers to visual artists.
Włocławek faience came back to life
Production in Włocławek ceased in 1991, but was resumed just 10 years later thanks to the initiative of Jerzy and Ewa Szanowski. A further revival took place in 2021 thanks to the entrepreneur Tyberiusz Rajs. Today, classic tableware, figurines and vases are still being produced, as well as hand-painted Fajansowe.love jewellery featuring Kuyavian-Dobrzyń ornamentation. Thanks to its inclusion on the European Ceramics Route, this local tradition has the chance to reach an even wider audience and win over millions more hearts.
Source: wloclawek.eu
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