Danish Porcelain: 250 Years of Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl

Renowned for its ceramics industry, Denmark earned its status as the world's leading exporter of porcelain through intense rivalry with other European companies. With its factories repeatedly excelling at the major international exhibitions of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Danish porcelain has carved out a special place for itself on the world stage.

Founded in 1775, Royal Copenhagen remains one of the oldest porcelain factories still in operation today. Throughout its history, the factory has seen many ups and downs, and for more than 130 years it withstood competition from the Bing & Grøndahl porcelain factory. After 1882, the two factories were located less than a kilometre apart, and their flagship shops ended up competing side by side for sales in the heart of Copenhagen.

This two-volume work offers an unrivalled scholarly overview of the history of Danish porcelain. It is based on a collection of porcelain, stoneware and earthenware from Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl, built up over two generations and begun by the author's father in 1947. The fruit of twenty years of research, this publication is the first to critically analyse the history of the two factories from their beginnings.