Rörstrand

Rörstrand, founded in the 18th century, boasts an amazing legacy as the second oldest ceramic manufacturer in Europe. Synonymous with classic Swedish design, the brand has produced some of the most iconic ceramic collections in collaboration with many renowned designers such as Marianne Westman, Carl-Harry Stålhane and Gunnar Nylund.

The factory’s earliest patterns took inspiration from China and other foreign countries that had established porcelain traditions. However, by 1740 Rörstrand began to develop its own identity and style. Porcelain, which had become more accessible to the public, replaced tableware that had typically been metal. The new designs captured Swedish life, establishing the brand as a Swedish institution. During the 1860’s Rörstrand porcelain had even become one of the nation’s largest industries.

In 1900, Rörstrand was put on the world map when it gained international success with its elegant Art Nouveau urns and dishes at the World Exhibition in Paris. Here, countries were invited to showcase their achievements and lifestyles, highlighting the similarities and differences between nations. The exhibition not only celebrated the achievements of the past century and but hoped to inspire and accelerate those to come.

This was definitely the case with Rörstrand, who would go on to have further success, celebrating their 250year anniversary in 1976. The same year, the Rörstrand Museum in Lidköping was established, which at present houses a collection of 15,000 objects from the company’s rich history. Today, Rörstrand is still in production, but owned and operated by Fiskars Sweden.