Delft Blue Occasion Signs

A Delft blue occasion plate is made to record an important event. This can be a wedding, a company anniversary, a birth or a farewell, but also a historical event or a special award. For decades, these types of ceramic plates have been used to mark moments worth keeping.

At Dutchceramics, we still make occasion signs in our own factory in Gouderak, near Gouda. Here the plates are cast, baked, glazed and decorated. Because almost the entire production process takes place in-house, we can supply existing designs as well as develop a board completely according to your wishes.

Why an occasional sign?

An occasion sign is more than a decorative sign for the wall. It tells something about a person, a family, a company or a special event. That is why you often see much more on these types of signs than just a name or a date. A characteristic building, a ship, a factory, a family coat of arms or an image with a personal meaning is just as common.

This creates a sign that not only captures the occasion, but also tells something about the person, family or organization for which it was made. Many signs remain visible in the home or office for years and are later even passed on within the family or organization.

Delft blue jubilee plates

Anniversary signs have been among the best-known occasion signs for many years. They are made for wedding anniversaries, company anniversaries and the existence of associations, foundations or other organizations.

For company anniversaries, an image of the original company building, a historical logo or a product for which the company is known is regularly chosen. In this way, the sign not only tells something about the anniversary, but also about the history of the organization.

Delft blue commemorative plates

A commemorative plate often has a personal character. It can be made in memory of a loved one, but also to capture a historical event or a special moment.

Sometimes we work from an old photo or an existing board. In other cases, a new design is created that brings together different images. This allows different images and memories to be brought together in one design that does justice to the original event.

Delft blue wedding plates

A wedding sign has been a popular gift for a bride and groom for years. Often the names of the couple and the wedding date are incorporated on the plate, supplemented with a floral décor, a wedding location or another personal detail.

Because every wedding is different, every wedding plate is unique. Some people opt for a classic Delft blue décor, while others prefer to have a contemporary image or their own design processed.

Delft blue birth plates

Births have also been recorded on ceramics for generations. A birth board can include the name, date of birth, birth weight and time of birth. This is often supplemented with an illustration or décor that matches the style of the children's room or the wishes of the parents.

How is an occasion sign made?

A Delft blue occasion plate is manufactured step by step in our own factory. The process starts with the preparation of the casting clay. This liquid clay is then poured into a plaster mold, in which the plate takes its shape. After it has been sufficiently dried and finished, the first firing follows, also known as the biscuit firing. This makes the earthenware sturdy enough for the following operations.

After the biscuit firing, the plate is provided with the décor. Depending on the design, this is done by hand or with the help of screen printing. Then a glaze layer is applied, after which the plate is fired for the second time. During this last firing, the glaze and decoration merge with the earthenware, giving the Delft blue occasional plate its characteristic appearance and durable finish.

From simple design to full customization

Some occasion signs are based on an existing décor from our collection. Others are designed completely from scratch. We can work with material supplied by the client or develop a design entirely ourselves.

Depending on the assignment, the following elements can be incorporated on an occasional sign:

• A name or personal text;
• An anniversary year or important date;
• A company logo or family crest;
• A building, ship or vehicle;
• A portrait, photo or illustration;
• An existing design or historical image.

For individuals and organizations

We make Delft blue occasional signs for a variety of clients. This varies from one personal commemorative board to larger series for anniversaries or official occasions.

Our clients include:

• Private individuals;
• Companies;
• Associations;
• Museums;
• Governments;
• Foundations.

In addition to new designs, we also regularly produce replicas of existing occasion signs or additional copies of previously made series. Especially with company anniversaries and associations, it happens that extra signs are ordered years later. Because the production takes place in-house, we can also think about the possibilities for these types of assignments.

Built to last for generations

Ceramic is strong, colorfast and wear-resistant. As a result, Delft blue occasional signs often remain beautiful for decades. We regularly see older signs that still have a prominent place within a family, association or company. This shows that an occasion plate is not only a gift for the moment, but also a lasting memory.

Are you looking for a Delft blue occasion plate for an anniversary, wedding, birth or memorial? At Dutchceramics, we supervise the entire process, from the first design to the final product. Thanks to our own factory in Gouderak, we can produce one unique copy or a larger edition. Do you already have a design, an old photo or just an idea? From our own factory in Gouderak, we supervise the entire process: from design and production to a finished Delft blue occasional sign that can be kept for years.