The porcelain of Studio Pieter Stockmans reminds us of the unique white houses and blue domed roofs of picturesque Santorini. Tableware that makes you dream away at the table. The creations even tempted top chef Alain Ducasse who ordered Stockmans blue plates for the wedding of Albert and Charlène of Monaco. You give an artisanal Stockmans to your best friends and family and pass it on from generation to generation. But, besides porcelain, Pieter passes on fifty years of know-how and love for the product to his daughter Widukind. Pleased to meet you!
Widukind, can you briefly explain the history of your business?
Studio Pieter Stockmans is a prime example of a family business where quality, craftsmanship, love and expertise are passed on. Since 1987, the Studio has focused on small, unique collections, all handmade in the Genk studio. The creations, tableware, gifts and interior objects that originate from Studio Pieter Stockmans are the result of a combination of traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary approach. Stockmans porcelain is among the highest quality in the world. Since its inception, the studio has been known for its experimental approach to limited series porcelain.
As a designer Pieter Stockmans is constantly pushing the boundaries of porcelain. He makes exceptional design objects that acquire a national and international reputation. For example, the Studio designed and made the trophy for the Memorial Van Damme and the plates for the royal wedding in Monaco. But leading chefs also like to come to the studio for customised work. Studio Pieter Stockmans delivers tailor-made collections to restaurants with 3 Michelin stars in Belgium, Germany, France, UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, USA and Switzerland. Luxury brands such as Dom Pérignon also enjoy working with the studio.
The work of Pieter Stockmans can also be seen in well-known museums such as the Victoria & Albert in London, the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. In 1988 Pieter Stockmans received the State Prize for the Visual Arts and in 1995 he was Cultural Ambassador of Flanders. In 1996 he received the prestigious Red Dot Award and two years later the Henry Van de Velde Prize for his entire oeuvre.
The Studio is still the only Belgian specialist in design for hard porcelain. Although my father is still active in the studio, I took over the daily management of the studio in 2007. Our designer, Frank Claesen, has been creating beautiful designs for our Studio Pieter Stockmans since 1998 and continues to expand the collection. Together with our team of six, we continue the special tradition of handmade hard porcelain.
Patience is a virtue. The production of a traditional Studio Pieter Stockmans product requires 36 actions. You do not mould porcelain, the person who makes it moulds it. Each action must be carried out with the greatest care and contributes to an exceptional end result.
Widukind, can you tell me how you experienced your personal journey?
After my studies I worked in a graphic design firm, taught and worked as an agent in the Benelux. I have always believed in the beautiful designs my father made in porcelain. That is why I started as a self-employed person in Studio Pieter Stockmans in 1997. I was the only working soul in the company because there were no employees and my father practised his hobby in his spare time.
One year later, our first employee started working in our workshop. In 1999 I showed our products at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. A bull’s-eye! I participated in fairs in France, Belgium and Germany and sold to design shops. After the economic crisis in 2002, the market collapsed. But, in 2004, Alain Ducasse contacted me and in 2005 we were able to supply his star restaurant in Monaco for the first time.
“It is a new way of dining”
– Alain Ducasse (3* Michelin)
I prospected at many restaurants but it took until 2009 to deliver to a second restaurant, Sergio Herman. As soon as I took over the studio in 2007, I continued to build relationships with chefs in Europe and beyond. We also supply promotional gifts to companies. In 2010 we moved our studio to C-mine in Genk, where we also opened our shop and exhibition space. 2011 was a very special year in which we were allowed to deliver tableware for a royal wedding.
Who or what have you learned the most from?
I think that I have learned a lot from people. Everyone has their talents and you pass those talents on to the people around you.
What would you not do again?
Give a license to another company to use the trademark in the same material.
What would you have done faster?
Writing out the tasks for the employees.
Widukind, can you tell me which achievement you are most proud of?
Building the Pieter Stockmans brand.
A final question. What is your big next goal business and/or private?
In terms of business, further develop the brand. Generate more sales in Belgium. Our product is sustainable. A nice gift gives satisfaction every day and creates the most beautiful memories. As far as my private life is concerned, I want to have more time for my family.
Thank you Widukind and good luck with everything!
All information about Studio Pieter Stockman can be found here:Website Studio Pieter Stockman
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