History
In 1883, the German Wilhelm Baron Wolff von Gudenberg[1], who had learned the craft at De Porceleyne Fles, founded the N.V. 's-Gravenhaagsche Kunstaardewerkfabriek (The Hague Art Pottery Factory) on Boekhorststraat, with the aim of imitating blue and colored Old Delftware.[2] In 1884, Th.A.C. Colenbrander joined the factory as artistic director. The designs he created were revolutionary. The products from that period are still considered highlights in the Dutch pottery industry.
In 1885, due to complaints about nuisance, the company moved to the outskirts of The Hague, on the Zuid-Buitensingel, later called Buitenom. In 1887, the company was renamed N.V. Haagsche Plateelbakkerij Rozenburg, after the dilapidated Rozenburg country estate. After Wolff von Gudenberg's departure in 1889, retired Colonel Willem Joannes Julius Docters van Leeuwen was appointed acting director. The factory only managed to operate without a loss for the first time in 1894 under director Alexander Vosmaer (1866-1944), who took the helm in 1892. After a difficult initial period, J. Jurriaan Kok was appointed director in 1895. Both the quality of the ceramics and the decorations improved. These decorations were more vibrant, featuring birds and fish, sometimes combined with flowers, in contrast to the previous dark floral decorations.
A new highlight was the development of eggshell porcelain. This is a very thin type of earthenware. Production began in 1899. This porcelain was first exhibited at the 1900 World's Fair in Paris. Interest was enormous, and several museums acquired it.
In 1913, Jurriaan Kok left the company. After the outbreak of World War I in 1914, production ceased in 1916 and was closed in 1917.
Rozenburg earthenware is a highly sought-after collector's item worldwide. Consequently, it commands high prices.
(Adapted from Wikipedia)
