Legendary lives at the Herend Porcelain Museum

At the opening ceremony, honoured by the presence of the ambassadors of several countries and numerous public figures, Dr. Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Territorial Development, gave a speech first. He emphasized Herend’s leading role in industrial history and culture, highlighting that the world-famous Herend porcelain enriches European culture in a worthy way. Porcelain made Herend known and famous throughout Europe, said the minister, adding that the exhibition commemorates the fact that the Habsburg family was a determining factor in history for centuries.

Dr. Attila Simon, CEO of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd., briefly outlined the eras of the manufactory, their significance in the fact that Herend porcelain could become known worldwide and even the world’s leading manufactory without competitors. He recalled the points of connection between Herend and the Habsburg dynasty, from the first common point at the 1855 Paris World’s Fair to the visits of Otto von Habsburg to Herend in 2005 and 2007. He highlighted the masterpieces associated with the dynasty, such as the large Maria Teresa ornamental plate, or the 20-liter ornamental flask gifted to Francis Joseph, and he also listed the Herend decorations that still bear their names today. He singled out one of the main Herend attractions of the exhibition, the legendary Francis Joseph set, from which some period pieces were also presented. The set, decorated with the emperor’s monogram and the Hungarian Holy Crown, was made for the Buda Castle, and consisted of more than 4,000 pieces.

In his speech, Gergely Prőhle, director of the Otto von Habsburg Foundation, explained the multi-meaning title of the exhibition, thanking the manufactory for its partnership and said: as Hungary’s national pride, the Herend brand uplifts everyone, makes a celebration, and radiates spirituality.

István Gergely Szűts, chief archivist of the Otto von Habsburg Foundation, introduced the exhibition saying that the relics cover the period between Charles IV’s coronation in 1916 and Otto von Habsburg’s visit to Hungary in 2007, highlighting the common points between the Habsburg family and the works of art of the manufactory. Among other things, there is a period photograph of the coronation dinner, served in Herend porcelain, on display. Otto von Habsburg returned to Hungary as a private citizen in 1987, visited Hungary as a member of the European Parliament in 1989, and celebrated his 95th birthday in Herend in 2007. The exhibition also commemorates these occasions, Gergely István Szűts pointed out. He added that the Habsburg family’s prayer book, rosary, typewriter, and kneeling cushion can also be viewed at the exhibition.

At the opening ceremony, the sensitive, delicate music of Jazzy Funtazi, suitable for the atmosphere of the exhibition, enhanced the cultural experience.