The insolvent Höchster Porzellanmanufaktur (HPM) 1746 GmbH has been saved. The state of Hesse will preserve this historical heritage for Hesse by acquiring the assets of the manufactory. The Offenbach University of Art and Design (HfG) will continue the operation of Germany's second oldest porcelain manufactory with a new concept and thus use the craftsmanship and artistic know-how for research and teaching. The plan is to establish an "Institute for Advanced Material Studies". The HfG will also take over HPM's lease in the Höchst district of Frankfurt, as well as some of its employees. The state had already acquired the trademark rights in July.
"The state of Hesse stands by its traditions," says Minister President Boris Rhein. "That is why I am glad that we can jointly preserve an absolute traditional enterprise, the world-famous Höchster Porzellanmanufaktur dating back to 1746. From now on, it will be an important part of the Offenbach University of Design. In the future, the filigree art of porcelain from Hesse will be taught and preserved there. I would like to thank everyone who has been so committed and constructive in saving the Höchster Porzellanmanufaktur."
"Knowledge of old crafts is an important part of the training for designers of tomorrow. The HfG wants to combine the long tradition of porcelain manufacture with contemporary design and modern art, the preservation of traditional forms and techniques with the development of new ideas and design possibilities," explains Angela Dorn, Minister for Science and Art. "For me and my house, which is responsible for science as well as art, culture and the historical heritage of Hesse, this concept developed by the HfG at the request of the State Chancellery is very conclusive, because we need the knowledge and skills of the clever and creative minds of yesterday just as much as the ideas and techniques of today, so that something new can be created for the future."
"Höchster Porzellan stands for craftsmanship and quality. Hesse's only porcelain manufactory is known for this far beyond the state's borders. It is in the interest of the state to preserve this cultural asset. This has now been achieved: the good name and the craft continue to exist. The development of the past few years and the insolvency proceedings have shown that private-sector management of the manufactory is no longer possible. It is good and right that the state is stepping in at this point. Höchster Porzellan belongs to Frankfurt and Hesse," says Finance Minister Michael Boddenberg.
"We are very pleased that the State of Hesse is entrusting us with the Höchster Porzellanmanufaktur. This is an opportunity of the century and a unique perspective for the future of our art academy, for the teachers as well as for the students. We are ready for the task, as exciting as it is complex, of revitalizing a historic manufactory rich in tradition with vital creativity from art and design. This transformation is a novelty for teaching and research at the HfG Offenbach, because in the new HfG satellite, HPM's know-how and equipment meet innovative teaching and research concepts. In the future, materials-related tradition will go hand in hand here with new content, including digital content, and ensure the international visibility of the university and the region," says Prof. Bernd Kracke, President of HfG Offenbach.
"I am very pleased with the positive conclusion of the talks with the state of Hesse. This is an important milestone in the long history of the Höchster Porzellanmanufaktur. The preservation of this cultural asset has always driven my fellow administrator Alexander Eggen and me in our intensive efforts to save Höchster Porzellan. A private-sector, long-term operation of the manufactory is not feasible, especially under the current conditions - just think of the explosion in energy prices. That is why I am particularly pleased that the future of the manufactory at the Höchst site has been secured by the State of Hesse with a modern and innovative concept from the Hochschule für Gestaltung. It is a unique and forward-looking approach to combine the tradition and wealth of experience of the employees of a porcelain manufactory with the wealth of ideas and research work of a university. The commitment of the state is a promise for a good future of the Höchster Porzellanmanufaktur," says insolvency administrator Frank Schmitt of Schultze & Braun.
The company's assets acquired by the state include stock, as well as kilns, historical molds, designs and tools. The HfG is currently working flat out on further development in the areas of materials and materials research: porcelain and other ceramic materials are to be researched and expanded in a real laboratory for art and design. Students, teachers and young talents will help to shape this process. The craft knowledge and production process form a unique selling point among art colleges.
The budget of the College of Design is to be increased for the additional tasks with the 2023/24 double budget to be passed by the state parliament in January. The state is in talks with the city of Frankfurt about supporting the manufactory, including through its hometown.
Image source: Wikipedia, link to license HERE
