Royal Copenhagen Fajance
A History of Danish Art and Craftsmanship
If you are a fan of vintage and retro pottery from Denmark and Scandinavia, you have probably heard of Royal Copenhagen Fajance. This is a type of earthenware pottery produced by the Royal Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is known for its distinctive blue and white colors, its floral and geometric patterns, and its artistic influences from various modern art movements.
But what is the story behind this beautiful ceramic ware? How did it evolve from its humble beginnings to its present status as a collector’s item? In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of Royal Copenhagen Fajance from its origins to its legacy.
What is Fajance?
Before we dive into the history of Royal Copenhagen Fajance, let us first understand what fajance is and how it differs from porcelain.
Fajance (also spelled faience or fayence) is a type of earthenware pottery that is glazed with a tin oxide coating. This coating gives the pottery a shiny and smooth surface that can be painted with various colors. Fajance is usually fired at a lower temperature than porcelain, which makes it more porous and less durable.
Porcelain, on the other hand, is a type of ceramic ware that is made from a fine clay called kaolin. It is fired at a high temperature, which makes it hard, dense, and translucent. Porcelain is usually white or cream-colored, but can also be decorated with various colors and designs.
Fajance was popular in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in France and Italy. It was often used to imitate the more expensive porcelain imported from China. However, by the 19th century, fajance lost its popularity as porcelain became more accessible and affordable.
The Origins of Royal Copenhagen Fajance
The history of Royal Copenhagen Fajance begins with the history of the Royal Porcelain Factory, which was founded in 1775 under the protection of Danish Dowager Queen Juliane Marie. The factory was initially located in an old post office building in central Copenhagen (St. Kjøbmagergade 50), where it started producing porcelain products such as dinnerware, figurines, and decorative items.
The factory was inspired by the Meissen porcelain factory in Germany, which was the first European factory to produce hard-paste porcelain. The factory adopted the Meissen trademark of three blue waves to represent the three main waterways of Denmark: the Sound, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt. The factory also used a royal stamp to indicate its royal patronage.
The factory faced competition from other porcelain manufacturers in the 19th century, such as Bing and Grøndahl, which was formed in 1853 by two former employees of the Royal Porcelain Factory. The factory also struggled with financial difficulties and political changes after the end of the Danish absolute monarchy in 1849.
In 1868, the factory was privatized and sold to a consortium of investors led by Philip Schou, who also owned Aluminia, a faience factory established in 1863. In 1882, Schou acquired full ownership of both factories and merged them under his management. He moved the production of Royal Copenhagen porcelain to Aluminia’s Frederiksberg plant, while continuing to produce faience under Aluminia’s name.
The Golden Age of Royal Copenhagen Fajance
The production of faience experienced a revival in the early 20th century, thanks to the artistic input from two talented artists: Christian Joachim (1870-1943) and Harald Slott-Møller (1864-1937). They introduced new designs and techniques to create more colorful and expressive faience products.
Joachim was appointed as artistic director of Aluminia in 1901. He experimented with different glazes and shapes to produce faience with a matte or crackled surface. He also designed various series and collections of faience products that were inspired by nature, such as flowers, fruits, animals, and landscapes.
Slott-Møller joined Aluminia as an artistic consultant in 1903. He was influenced by the Art Nouveau movement that was popular at that time. He created faience products with organic forms and stylized motifs that reflected his interest in mythology, folklore, and symbolism.
Together, Joachim and Slott-Møller created some of the most popular and influential series and collections of Royal Copenhagen Fajance.
The Modern Era of Royal Copenhagen Fajance
The production of Royal Copenhagen Fajance continued to evolve and innovate in the second half of the 20th century, thanks to the contributions of new artists and designers who joined the factory. Some of them were:
- Nils Thorsson (1898-1975): He was the artistic director of Aluminia from 1928 to 1969 (i.e. already 5 years before the merge with Royal Copenhagen, where he maintained the title). He designed many series and collections of faience products that reflected his interest in modern art movements, such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. He also experimented with different materials and techniques, such as stoneware, porcelain, and enamel.
- Johanne Gerber (1919-2006): She was one of the most prolific designers of Royal Copenhagen Fajance. She worked at the factory from 1947 to 1972. She designed many series and collections of faience products that featured colorful and playful motifs, such as flowers, fruits, birds, fish, and geometric shapes.
- Ellen Malmer (b. 1942): She was one of the most influential designers of Royal Copenhagen Fajance. She worked at the factory from 1965 to 1988. She designed many series and collections of faience products that featured bold and dynamic patterns, such as stripes, circles, squares, and spirals.
- Berte Jessen (1920-1999): She was one of the most original and innovative designers of Royal Copenhagen Fajance. She worked at the factory from 1953 to 1981. She designed many series and collections of faience products that featured abstract and organic forms, such as shells, cones, mushrooms, and corals.
These artists and designers helped maintain the high quality and artistic value of Royal Copenhagen Fajance throughout the decades. They also helped create a diverse and distinctive style that appealed to different tastes and preferences.
The Legacy of Royal Copenhagen Fajance
The production of Royal Copenhagen Fajance ended in 1988, when the factory decided to focus on porcelain products only. However, the legacy of Royal Copenhagen Fajance lives on in the hearts and minds of many collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Royal Copenhagen Fajance is widely recognized as one of the finest examples of Danish art and craftsmanship. It is admired for its beauty, creativity, and originality. It is also valued for its historical and cultural significance.
Royal Copenhagen Fajance represents a unique fusion of tradition and innovation. It combines the ancient technique of fajance with the modern aesthetics of various art movements. It also reflects the rich heritage and identity of Denmark and Scandinavia.
Royal Copenhagen Fajance is more than just pottery. It is a piece of art that tells a story.