75 Years of Montagne Pottery Factory: From Gouds Pottery to Today’s Family Business
Montagne Aardewerkfabriek/Dutchceramics celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. A moment to look back on where it all began, and how the craft has evolved over time. What once started as a small-scale pottery production in Gouda has grown into a family business where everything still revolves around craftsmanship, in-house production, and short lines of communication.
The company’s origins actually date back even further than those 75 years. As early as the 1920s, brothers Cor and Gerard Montagne, along with their youngest brother Nicolaas, were active in the pottery industry in Gouda. This laid the foundation for the family business as we know it today.
What has remained the same over the years is the way we work. The craft is passed down within the Montagne family from generation to generation. Knowledge of materials, techniques, and decoration is not only learned but, above all, passed on through hands-on practice. As a result, the work remains recognizable, even now that the company has grown.
The origins in Gouda
In 1951, Nicolaas Montagne founded his own company, laying the foundation for Montagne Aardewerkfabriek. In the early years, the company operated under the name Animo, before it was later changed to the name by which it is still known today.
Together with his son, Karel Montagne, he continued to develop the business. From their workshop in Gouda—which stretched from the Boelekade to the Blekerssingel—they produced souvenirs, decorative items, and ornamental pottery. Craftsmanship was central to their work, with a focus on form, materials, and finish. That foundation still forms the core of the company as it exists today.
In 1989, the company moved to the Middelblok in Gouderak (near Gouda), where it is still located today. Especially at a time when much production has been moved abroad, this remains a conscious choice.
From workshop to full-scale production company
In the years that followed, the company continued to develop. Production was expanded, and the product range grew in line with domestic and international demand.
Key milestones in this development included:
- The transition from a workshop to a factory with in-house production
- A growing demand for Delft Blue and traditional pottery
- Supplies to retail stores, export markets, and tourist markets
- The development of a distinctive, recognizable style
With these steps, the company grew not only in size but, above all, in knowledge and specialization. With customers worldwide, Montagne Aardewerkfabriek established itself as a leading name in the ceramics industry.
Growth through acquisitions and expansion
In the years that followed, the company was further strengthened through various acquisitions and partnerships. This not only increased production capacity but also expanded the company’s expertise.
Examples include:
- Schoonhoven Keramiek
- Plateelbakkerij Jumbo, Gouda (acquired in 1997)
- Keramische Industrie De Wit, Gouda (acquired in 2000)
In particular, the earlier acquisition of De Wit significantly deepened the product range with high-quality hand-painted Delftware. This resulted in a broader collection, ranging from traditional pieces to more refined, hand-painted items.
With the acquisition of Schoonhoven Keramiek in 2022—formerly the Schoonhoven Pottery, founded in 1920—Montagne has been able to expand the collection even further.
From standard collections to custom-made items
Whereas the company used to be known primarily for its standard collections and souvenirs, the focus today is increasingly on custom-made and personalized pottery.
Because every step of the process takes place in-house, we can adapt quickly. From concept to finished product, everything is developed and executed on the shop floor.
This allows us to work for a wide range of clients, such as:
- Companies and brands
- Governments and embassies
- Museums and institutions
- Individuals with their own designs
Whether it’s a single piece or a larger production run, every product is made with the same care.
In-house craftsmanship
A key aspect of Montagne Aardewerk/Dutchceramics is that everything is still produced in-house. In Gouderak, just outside Gouda, all stages of the process come together.
From making plaster molds and shaping and casting clay to firing, glazing, and decorating: everything happens under one roof. This ensures quality control and allows for flexible production.
75 Years of Craftsmanship
Today, the company is led by the third generation of the Montagne family, Remco and Debby Montagne. Even the fourth generation is already active within the company. From their base in Gouderak, they produce a wide range of products for customers both in the Netherlands and abroad.
The combination of experience and innovation ensures that the craft lives on; at this company, which has deep roots in the renowned Gouda pottery tradition. New techniques are applied where possible, but always with respect for traditional methods.
Looking to the future
After 75 years, much has changed, but the aspects of the artisanal production process have remained virtually unchanged since the company’s founding.
In our workshop in Gouderak (near Gouda), we continue to focus on materials, form, and finish.
The craft continues to evolve, with new designs and applications, but always based on the same principles: quality, craftsmanship, and in-house production.
To preserve the craft, we train our own people in all aspects of this profession.
In this way, Montagne Aardewerk/Dutchceramics continues to develop, building on the same foundation as 75 years ago.
Beste Remco en Debby, gefeliciteerd met dit mooie jubileum! Ik vind het altijd prettig communiceren en zakendoen met jullie. Jullie producten zijn fijn om mee te werken, en ik vind het heerlijk om af en toe te komen schatzoeken op jullie zolder. Tot gauw! Groetjes Carolijn Booy van De Blauwe Tulp
Remco, vanharte gefeliciteerd met dit jubileum! Op naar de 100!
Groetjes, Guus & Jeanette