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Replacements, Ltd.
Hutschenreuther History
The
original Hutschenreuther porcelain company was opened in 1814. Carolus Magnus
Hutschenreuther wanted to open the first privately owned porcelain factory in
Germany. He began looking for an ideal location in Bavaria. After a lengthy search,
he decided upon a plot of land in the Bavarian town of Hohenburg. There, he built
the first Hutschenreuther factory. To enhance the quality of his product, Carolus
solicited artists, craftsmen, and sculptors from across the European continent.
Primarily focusing on quality and design, Hutschenreuther grew into a competitive
firm that produced dinnerware services ideal for fine dining.
In
1857, Carolus’ son, Lorenz Hutschenreuther opened another porcelain producing
facility in the town of Selb. Lorenz marketed his dinnerware services aggressively.
Hutschenreuther in Selb became the more notable name as a result of its business
savvy managers. Hutschenreuther of Selb became the first German firm to be able
to compete with such companies as Haviland and Wedgwood.
Lorenz had not partnered with his father and the two companies would remain fully
independent and in open competition with each other for more than a century.
In 1917, Hutschenreuther of Selb began producing figurines
by purchasing the art division of Paul Muller. Hutschenreuther’s managing
director, Emil Mundel, was the driving force behind the acquisition of Muller’s
assets. After acquiring sculptors and skilled laborers, Hutschenreuther began
soliciting its designs for its sculptures and dinnerware from the Selb Technical
School of Porcelain. By 1926, the art division of the company had won wide acclaim
and its porcelain figurines were highly sought after.
Hutschenreuther
of Selb continued to grow by buying the assets of competing factories throughout
Germany. In 1909, Hutschenreuther purchased Altrohlau. Later the company would
purchase Arzburg and Tirschenreuth. Hutschenreuther produced many of its most
famous patterns throughout the first half of the 21st century, including Racine
(1900), Richelieu (1929), Blue
Onion (1930) and Maple Leaf (1940).
By 1969, the company expanded to include several more factories.
During that same year, the assets of the Carolus Magnus Hutschenreuther’s
1814 company were purchased by Hutschenreuther of Selb. After more than a century
of competition, the two companies became one. The newly united company continued
producing porcelain figurines and fine bone chine. Today, the company uses the
lion and circle as their trademark and continues to produce sculptures,
ornaments, and dinnerware.
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