Upcycling: new impetus for your porcelain I MYHOME BLOG

It used to be customary to receive tableware as a wedding gift. And the larger the company, the more plates, cups, vases and the like ended up in the household cupboard the day after. Today, however, the younger generation often feels that old porcelain is no longer in keeping with the times. That’s why Martina Lillie, head of the traditional Viennese company “Albin Denk” for twelve years, has thought of something – and has been giving old crockery a new look with the help of artists and modern technology since 2019.

Old porcelain, new look

Martina Lillie grew up with treasures. Since 1702, the “Albin Denk” company in Vienna’s first district has stood for fine porcelain and tableware. Since then, it has been the first port of call for all those who value not only what goes on their plate, but also how it is presented in style. Martina Lillie has been running the business in the fourth generation since 2012, bringing new impetus to it and realizing more and more “that there are many people who have boxes full of porcelain, but no real use for it.” Too old-fashioned, not in keeping with the times was the justification for high-priced heirlooms, whether Augarten, Herend, Meissner or similar.

porcelain, upcycling, design, art, DIY, tableware — Giving old porcelain a new look: Martina Lillie, head of Albin Denk.

Different designs

Statements that got Lillie thinking – after all, Albin Denk was already refining white porcelain in the late 18th century. Together with the renowned designer Sebastian Menschhorn, the Viennese developed “Denk Dekor” in 2019. Here, a new decoration is fired into the porcelain – whether plate, cup or vase – with the help of a foil, “this gives the pieces more pizzazz – and also a new value.” Lillie developed three decors together with Menschhorn, and another four with artist Eva Schlegel. The pieces are fired by a ceramist in the 9th district, Lillie supervises the process herself, and the price per plate is around 50 euros, with the price decreasing the more pieces are placed in the kiln at the same time.

From flea markets & the Dorotheum

In principle, according to the expert, any old porcelain can be refined; the foil is applied in advance to illustrate what the plates and the like will look like after the process. “The important thing,” says Lillie, “is that the pieces are intact, that there are no cracks or anything like that.” All items are dishwasher-safe and will definitely add a new zest to any table. If you’ve now acquired a taste for porcelain but don’t have the necessary items at home, here’s some advice: “You can currently find a lot of old porcelain at flea markets,” says Lillie, “and the Dorotheum is also full of it.”

Apart from the fact that upcycling is also a very sustainable option, the individually embellished plates and cups also create a wow effect at the dining table.