Professional Private Tours
Royal Delft Blue Tours
The Royal Dutch Delftware Factory “De Porceleyne Fles”, was established in 1653 and is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century. The world famous Royal Delftware is still entirely hand painted according to centuries-old tradition. We can guide you through this amazing piece of Dutch History as we are honoured to be Official Guides and can even offer you a concession on the entrance price.
The production process of Delft earthenware starts with the composition of the clay. This consists of approximately 10 different raw materials of which the most important are: kaolin, chalk, feldspar and quartz.
The decorating process starts with the creation of the outline after which the Delftware painters carefully fill in the details by hand using special paintbrushes made of marten and squirrel hair. The paint is water based and colour shades are created by adding more, or less, water to the paint.
In 1988 the Porceleyne Fles started the Modern Ceramics Collection. This serves as a follow up of the relationship between potters and the ceramics factory as existed in the past (Experimental department; 1957-1977). Since then they have collaborated with both upcoming and established modern artists and designers.
Each product which carries the Delft Blue trademark is provided with a certificate of authenticity. With this certificate, the Porceleyne Fles and the Chamber of Commerce in Delft guarantee that the product has been completely hand-painted According to a centuries-old tradition.