De Toonzaal #6 | Maastricht Ceramics Market

The annual ceramics market, De Toonzaal, returns to ‘ Bureau Europa ’ for the sixth time. For three days, Maastricht’s ceramic heritage takes centre stage. Around fifteen collectors and enthusiasts will present an extensive collection of pottery and glass from former Maastricht factories. The pieces are not only on display but also for sale.

Ceramics from Maastricht factories
During De Toonzaal, you’ll find pottery and glassware from well-known manufacturers such as Petrus Regout, Sphinx, Société Céramique, MOSA and JeMa. Products from Astra and Kristalunie are also on offer. Each collector brings their own collection. As a result, the ceramics market offers an overview of items produced in Maastricht over the years. In addition to the pottery and glassware, the tables and cabinets on which the items are displayed are also offered for sale.

Back to the old Sphinx showroom
The location of the ceramics market itself also has a history. The building on Boschstraat opened in 1911 as a showroom for the Sphinx factories. Among other things, porcelain, glass and crystal were exhibited here. The former director’s office is also part of the site. Today, ‘ Bureau Europa ’ uses the building for exhibitions on architecture and design. During De Toonzaal, the former showroom will, for three days, resume its original function as a display space for ceramics and glass.

Photographs, films and historical glassware
Alongside the ceramics market, the exhibition highlights the history of Maastricht’s industrial heritage. Photographs by photographer Henk Houben bring the city’s former ceramics industry to life. There are also film presentations by Servé Minis and Discovery on Maastricht glass, and documentation on pottery by Tracé is on display. A separate exhibition of glassware, made possible in part by the Discovery Museum, rounds off the programme.