Haviland China – Beautifully Hand-Painted but Now Passé

Haviland China has a history as a world-renowned brand of porcelain that has been in continuous production for over 175 years.

An American in France

The company was founded in 1840 by David Haviland, an American importer of French porcelain. Haviland was inspired to start his own company after he was unable to find a set of china that met his exacting standards. He moved to Limoges, France, where he established a factory and began producing his own porcelain.

Haviland China was known for its high quality and innovative designs. The company was also one of the first to use decals to decorate its china, which allowed for more intricate and detailed patterns. Haviland China was also one of the first companies to produce china specifically for the American market. The dinnerware was featured at fine restaurants using linen table cloths.

Sons Join the Business

The company continued to grow and prosper under the leadership of David Haviland’s sons, Theodore and Charles. In 1872, Charles opened the Auteuil Studio in Paris, which became a center for the production of innovative and artistic porcelain. The studio produced a wide variety of pieces, including vases, figurines, and tableware.

In 1879, David Haviland died and the company was divided between his two sons. Theodore took over the Auteuil Studio, while Charles continued to run the main factory in Limoges. The two companies continued to produce high-quality porcelain and competed fiercely with each other.

The rivalry between the two companies came to an end in 1921, when Charles Haviland died. Theodore then purchased his brother’s company and merged it with the Auteuil Studio. The combined company continued to produce Haviland China under the leadership of Theodore’s son, William.

Buy-Out and Lowering Demand

The Haviland family continued to manage the company until 1972, when it was sold to a group of investors. The company is still in operation today and continues to produce high-quality porcelain that is prized by collectors and connoisseurs around the world.

Here are some additional facts about Haviland China:

The company has produced over 60,000 different patterns of china.
Haviland China has been used by royalty and heads of state around the world.
The company’s china has been featured in films and television shows, such as “Downton Abbey” and “The Great Gatsby.”
Haviland China was a popular choice for wedding china and other special occasions. Today’s generation is less interested in using dinner items that may require hand washing. Demand for Haviland has faded much like the hand-painted plates.