CAMILLA is proud to partner with Royal Delft for four exclusive prints for their WONDERKIND collection, inspired by travels and studies throughout the Netherlands.
A Dance with Delft
It’s near impossible to visit the Netherlands without Royal Delft’s painterly blue and white ceramics catching the corner of your eye. A keepsake to Dutch DNA emerging from the 17th century Golden Age, Delftware – also known as Delft Blue – remains an enduring symbol of the country’s proud artisan roots, reimagined as time passes by.
During the early phase of researching inspiration for our Netherland’s collection, WONDERKIND, references of Delft Blue commanded our mood boards. White earthenware with delicate hand painted blue scenery that informed so many avenues and possibilities to explore within this beautiful country. This sentiment is just that of Delft itself; expansive and infinite. An artisan output that has remained unwavering from medieval times and evolved into the tapestry of modern day.
When Camilla and the team visited the Netherlands in 2022 for inspiration, one of our first stops was the town of Delft, where this story begins. A quaint city nestled in the heart of South Holland, that honours a compelling history that unfolds like the pages of a well-worn novel, revealing tales of artistic inception and flourishing cultural renaissances.
Fast forward to today, where our team has returned to this special part of the world to shoot our partnership with Royal Delft. Hosting us is Joffrey Walonker, Royal Delft Design Manager, who came to Royal Delft in 2008 designing tableware under the brand’s wider offering before reaching the status of Design Manager. We spoke with Joffrey about the history of Delft and what the future holds for this iconic brand.
An Interview With Joffrey Walonker, Royal Delft Design Manager
Tell us about the history and heritage of Royal Delft
“Delft Blue came to be at the end of the 16th century, known for their early explorations across the world, often purchased porcelain in the Far East from Japan and China – bringing them home to a very receptive crowd where they were auctioned off in great demand,” Joffrey explained.
“With civil unrest in the East, production of porcelain slowed down while the European demand only increased, notably from the Dutch King and Queen who were said to have favoured the blue and white designs. So, with the serendipitous help of a few abandoned breweries and influx of immigrants from Spain, Portugal, and Italy – bringing along their own craftsmanship – a new era of ceramics, influenced by Oriental porcelain, was born. In the 18th century, Europe started developing their own style of porcelain - which grew in popularity. In turn, the demand for Delftware collapsed with 33 of the 34 factories slowly closing over time. The only remaining being Royal Delft.”
“Originally, Royal Delft products primarily served as decorative items for interior spaces of the upper class in the 17th century. However, a significant portion of our collection draws inspiration from functional pieces like plates, bowls and vases. In contemporary times, we've expanded our offerings to include dinnerware, enabling the creation of table settings that have increased in popularity within the younger generations.”
How is Royal Delft unique? Tell us your brand story
“Around the time that Delft was entering the market, the Dutch art movement known as the Golden Age was being pioneered by artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. It is said Delft and the Golden Age formed an influential bond – informing dainty scenery synonymous in the Delft Blue works we see today. We like to think it was one of the first ever fusion products.”
Tell us about your craftsmen and the team that pulls your designs together
“Our team is a dynamic blend of ceramic craftsmen, painters, and master painters, complemented by internal and external designers. With a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, we collectively strive to create timeless pieces.
Royal Delft remains the only company of its kind offering an in-house schooling program for painters. A renewed interest from younger generations for slower crafts has inspired a new wave of Masters, perfecting a balancing act between craftsmanship and honouring the past.
The craftsmen and craftswomen follow an internal scholarship where they learn how to paint and cast all our items. For painters, the schooling is about 7 years before they can master all the elements of the craft. Some will become Master Painter, while other will be production-painters.”
Can you outline the production process of your pieces?
“The foundation of Royal Delft lies in the intricate hand painting of Delft Blue pottery. Each piece is passed through the hands of many departments in our factory, they truly are unique collaboration pieces.
The decoration process begins by outlining contours using charcoal. After this, our painters intricately shape details using specialised brushes. Employing a water-based paint, colour variations are achieved by adjusting the water content. The iconic Delft Blue design is crafted with a paint primarily composed of cobalt oxide, following ancient recipes. Through a chemical transformation during the baking process, the originally black pattern, now melted and concealed beneath the glaze, undergoes a rebirth into the distinctive Delft Blue.”
What kinds of different motifs adorn Royal Delft pieces?
“The designs of Royal Delft comprise diverse elements, with fundamental motifs falling into categories such as Floral, Flora & Fauna, Landscapes, and Geometric elements. Skilled painters continually innovate within these themes, introducing fresh decorations over time. I believe that the scenes depicted in a Royal Delft piece have a universal appeal, providing a connection that resonates with everyone.”
What are your most iconic pieces?
“Regarded as a standout in the collection, the Tulip Pyramid holds iconic status. Its roots trace back to the 17th century, a time when tulip bulbs held considerable value. The “Tulip mania” of that era can be likened to the Bitcoin hype of the 21st century.”
Are there any projects you’re particularly proud of that have special significance to you?
“A few years ago, we received a prestigious request to craft an exclusive tableware collection for our monarchs, the King and Queen of the Netherlands. This distinctive series is exclusively reserved for official State dinners and formal visits by other heads of State. It was a proud moment for all of us.”
What's it like seeing the iconic Royal Delft prints come to life as fashion pieces?
“It seamlessly resonates with the modern 'Blue Loving' audience, showcasing that renewal can be achieved by drawing inspiration from history. It is a testament that you can renew things by going back in history.”
What do you love about your role here as Design Manager?
“I love that I am part of a team to propel the legacy of the Delft Blue name into the next century. I find great joy in collaborating with our talented international designers and external partners… exploring diverse perspectives and ideas is consistently intriguing and enriching.”
An exclusive collection of four limited edition prints that brings together the distinctive CAMILLA aesthetic and timeless, centuries-old craftsmanship of the Netherlands’ Royal Delft showcased in never-before-seen form.
