Since the dawn of mankind, people have strived to develop products that are as durable and long-lasting as possible. One reason was the scarce resources. Then, with the onset of industrialization and without regard to nature or the environment, people began to believe that natural resources are endless. We know the many effects that result from this greed for money. Thus, if we want to improve the world, it’s by no means sufficient to go just on the street and raise voices. We have to rethink values. How can we expect to protect the world by chasing bargains? The search for values also includes buying long-lasting, high-quality products. Besides, it means the associated acceptance of investing more money for those items. In this way, products that we hardly value today can become true heirlooms again. Once more, they could become a part of our personal family history. Just like it was a while ago with our grandparents’ good Sunday porcelain, which they took out of the vitrine only on special occasions. Not only in Berlin, but especially here, there was mostly a blue scepter under the plate or cup, namely that of the Königliche Porzellan Manufakur, or – in short – KPM BERLIN.
TRADITIONS STAND FOR LONGEVITY
Our grandparents lived traditions. Traditions result from values and positive experiences. They are what make us who we are. Thus, they make us unique. Everybody needs something that embodies traditions. Something that gives us safety and familiarity.
And, something that helps us going back in history to taste the Zeitgeist from then. Have you ever thought about the spirit from 250 years ago? Do you think it isn’t related to our modern times? Or do you think traditions are outdated in general? Not even close. They are trendier than ever.
KPM MEANS ROYAL ROOTS
During Queen Maxima’s and King Willem-Alexander’s visit to Berlin this week, we saw that even young people admire the Dutch royal couple, who not least represent traditions and cultural values.
Both also visited the Bellevue Palace, the house of the German president. A bit hidden, but just around the corner, and, thus, in the heart of Berlin, we can find a place with original Berlin royal roots.
This place is older than the popular Brandenburg Gate or most of the other sights in town. A place which is full of history yet future-orientated and influencing the modern times until today, KPM BERLIN.
KING FREDERICK THE GREAT
The KPM BERLIN (Royal Porcelain Manufactory) was founded by the Prussian King Frederick the Great almost 260 years ago.
With the growing power of Prussia, the influence of the country increased too. Therefore, the desire also grew to show the world this new power through magnificent buildings and a luxurious lifestyle.
This was also the time of the awaking of Berlin as we love it nowadays. Because the King was a lover of the fine arts. Therefore, he invited artists from all over the world to Berlin. His round table in the Sanssouci Palace, in which the famous French writer and philosopher Voltaire also took part, was legendary.
So, besides many other things, the king also loved the so-called white gold, porcelain. Thus, he founded his own porcelain manufacture. It’s still named KPM BERLIN until today.
(Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur = Royal Porcelain Manufactory)
KPM BERLIN: HANDMADE IN BERLIN
KPM BERLIN is a place where everything is always shaped with passion, enthusiasm, and accuracy.
Everything is based on the highest craftsmanship. In this factory, we lost track of time and we got fully immersed in the most beautiful design collections, the finest aesthetics, and the highest quality.
The freshness you can breathe inside the KPM BERLIN manufactory, and the exhibitions are something that makes this environment a truly inspirational place.
Here, we have met so many people strictly committed to their handmade luxury production. They made us fall in love with their sophisticated work.
The white porcelain, the stylish designs, the free-hand paintings, and the values behind make those masterpieces something unique which stands out from everyone else.
THE KPM VALUES
What is truly incredible is the story behind this place. Somewhat it reminded us of a big memorial faithfully connected to the city, which always belonged to the German capital. And that is exactly the point. KPM BERLIN is all about keeping traditions, values, and history alive.
After Frederick the Great, his successors on the throne owned the company until Germany turned into a democracy. It has royal roots, yes.
But that’s not the only reason why we address KPM BERLIN as a royal place. Back in the days, the manufactory offered regular working hours, no child labor, health insurance, above-average income, and much more: a noble role model for every company of today.
A TRADITIONAL ROYAL BLEND
OF CLASSY AND MODERN
And even today, the manufacture hasn’t lost its influence in terms of design and luxury.
Until a few years ago, mainly older customers appreciated the traditional values that KPM BERLIN stands for. But, today, more and more trend-conscious people love the beauty, value, and durability of the KPM BERLIN products.
The it-piece is probably the stylish to-go cup of the KURLAND series. It isn’t only available in different colors. Besides, it can be used and designed individually. In the morning, you sip the delicious coffee from it, and in the evening, you enjoy your favorite cocktail.
There are hardly any limits to the design. You can design it freely. For example, with your name, your logo, or your favorite picture. All of this hand-made in the heart of Berlin.
Photos: Marco Kokkot, Product-Images: KPM BERLIN
Text: Marco Kokkot & Vittoria Lolli
