Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>I was delighted when Veronika Miller CEO of Modenus invited me to join her group on tour/meet-the-bloggers-blogtour-to-ambiente-in-frankfurt” target=”_blank”>#BlogTourFrankfurt for a day as a special guest which allowed me to catch up in person with some of my favorite design bloggers for a day at Ambiente – the world’s largest furniture fair!
We started the day by enjoying a wine tasting at one of Germany’s best wineries – Louis Guntrum and then moved on to exploring the collection at Villeroy & Boch at the furniture fair! The day was capped off by dinner at Villa Kennedy – the chicest new hotel in Frankfurt (voted one of the top hotels in the world) by having dinner with the tory.html” target=”_blank”>Villeroy & Boch team. The hotel was chosen because they use a variety of V&B’s products in their hotel – from plateware to bathroom décor. At the dinner I was honored to be seated right next to Monsieur Villeroy who shared with me some behind the scenes history on this truly European firm….
In 1748 Francois Boch and his three sons started manufacturing ceramic crockery. In 1791, Nicolas Villeroy acquired an earthenware factory, and by 1836 the two competitors joined forces, forming a partnership which was one of the first Global Players in the business world. The company helped make porcelain accessible to the masses, whereas it was once quite expensive to produce, and thus only available to nobility. With exports to several European countries, by 1850, they were sending goods across the Atlantic to North and South America.
In the second half of the 19th century the company began expanding their products to include tiles and terra-cotta items. No longer just a crockery manufacturer, Villeroy & Boch were commissioned to complete restoration tile work in many historical buildings across Europe including the famous Cologne Cathedral. At this time Villeroy & Boch also creates products including their well-known crockery for very important clients like the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the Castle of the Prince of Thurn and Taxis in Regensburg. Their global client list grows and encompasses many noble and ruling households throughout Europe.
By the 1950’s the company was even commissioned to create custom crockery for the Pope. Since then they’ve created tableware for several Popes which is used during formal occasions at The Vatican.
Today the company continues to manufacture and distribute tabletop pieces as well as decorative items, bathroom necessities, gorgeous tiles, and innovative flooring. The longevity and prestigiousness of Villeroy & Boch are a testament to the commitment to quality they have. From residential tableware to fine place settings (and gorgeous bathrooms) at some of the best hotels- such as the famous Villa Kennedy – chances are you’ve come across their products. They’re simply the best.
The Antiques Diva®