Preserving the old porcelain craft, which is full of beauty and tradition, from being forgotten – that was Susanne Katzenberg’s mission and a matter close to her heart when she came to Thuringia to the ruins of Weimar Porzellan in Blankenhain.
With the book UNVERLOREN, she succeeded as a photographer in discovering the history of a decaying former large-scale factory and making it unforgettable for posterity.
The book is not only a tribute to Weimar porcelain, but also to GDR tableware culture and the porcelain craft itself.
You can find all information about the book & project here:
Susanne Katzenberg gave design icons a new lease of life
Together with Susanne Katzenberg, we have breathed new life into the TINI vase by GDR designer Peter Smalun, who also worked at Weimar Porzellan. Through the research for the book, Susanne forged a friendly bond with many former employees, including Smalun and his family.
TINI vases- timeless classic craftsmanship
…in different variants and decors in our online shop available
…Save from oblivion
The sad reason why we would like to highlight and honor this project again today is the sudden death of Susanne Katzenberg last month, which left us all stunned and paralyzed. First and foremost, our thoughts are with Mrs. Katzenberg’s husband and her family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
On the other hand, we want to carry on their efforts not to simply forget things that have fallen victim to time. They should be preserved and cherished. As far as the porcelain trade in particular is concerned, the book also contains a warning for us and all those who keep a watchful eye on the economy. The history of Weimar Porzellan is currently being repeated in so many examples of craftsmanship and small and medium-sized businesses. Of the once many porcelain manufacturers in Thuringia, one can almost feel lonely in our company size today. This is certainly a sign of consistency and success – but it is also a warning sign that we should all take seriously, and which many contemporary witnesses and industry experts point out emphatically in the book UNVERLOREN. A tribute to the porcelain industry and, more than ever, a tribute to people like Susanne Katzenberg, who has recognized the great treasure behind such company histories and will therefore be UNVERGESSEN herself.
