18/06/2026
Two successful centuries – Herend 200
23. World War II – Thanks to Gulden, production did not stop
We have arrived at the most disastrous years in history. During World War II, European industry and culture laid in ruins, and the production of luxury goods seemed understandably unnecessary to many. However, the Herend Porcelain Manufactory survived, and this was largely due to one man, Dr. Gyula Gulden.
The head of the Manufactory believed that saving art and expertise was a national duty. By using his network of connections and strategic sense, he managed to ensure that the company maintained its relative independence. As people of today, we cannot be grateful to him enough! It’s no coincidence that a bust commemorates him in the courtyard of the Manufactory. While other factories were obliged to war production, Herend largely remained faithful to porcelain art. Gulden succeeded in getting manufactory workers exempted from certain frontline duties, arguing for their irreplaceable expertise. Moreover, the Manufactory was not only a place of work, but also a place of protection. Gulden’s humanity is demonstrated by the fact that he tried to protect his employees from political and wartime persecution even in the most difficult times.
His extensive international connections helped to prevent the Manufactory from becoming completely isolated. Although raw material shortages and the threat of bombing were daily, the fire in the kilns, even though more sparsely, continued to burn. During this period, maintaining production was not about profit, but about continuity. Gulden knew that once the fire went out and the craftsmen dispersed, the expertise built up since the 19th century could be lost forever.
Horse-herd: 05888000C
