Four large containers in the model of a lady, Delft, 1760-80, tin-glazed earthenware, height 49 cm, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag – The Lavino Collection.

THE HAGUE.- Gemeentemuseum Den Haag is to receive one of the world’s largest and most important private collections of Dutch delftware on long-term loan. The Lavino Collection was built by steel magnate Meijer Lavino, who died in 2005. This unique collection, never before shown to the public, includes almost the entire range of wares produced by Delft potters between 1660 and 1820. From 31 August a large proportion of the collection, which numbers over a thousand items, will be displayed for the first time in The Lavino Collection – Showcase of Dutch Delftware. The exhibition will focus on the quality and range of the collection, and its history. 

‘Thanks to this generous loan we will be able to show the public a good cross-section of the impressive faience production of Delft potters,’ says director Benno Tempel. ‘In addition to the museum’s existing collection, we will be able to provide a multifaceted account of the culture, knowledge, skills and techniques of the Dutch ceramics industry, which achieved global renown and is part of our national heritage.’ 

Vase with spouts (flower holder), Delft, 1680-1700, tin glaze, height 37 cm, Gemeentemuseum The Hague - The Lavino Collection.

Colourful containers in the form of elegant ladies, lavishly decorated flower holders, fruit bowls, jumping horses, human figurines, objects inspired by Chinese porcelain, cupboard sets, shoes and other miniatures, and even a plate in the rare ‘Delft black’ – this encyclopaedic aspect of the Lavino Collection is quite exceptional. Lavino not only bought a wide-ranging and varied selection of Dutch delftware, he was also intrigued by pairs and complete sets. Besides the variation in forms, he also collected Delftware featuring all the decorative techniques, from white and blue-and-white to multicoloured and pastel shades with gilding. He had a remarkable eye for the best-quality pieces. To ensure he purchased the best available, Lavino surrounded himself with Dutch delftware experts, and he could also rely on the support of his wife Paula Lavino-Ridderhof. 

Meijer Lavino (Rotterdam, 1937 – Antwerp, 2005) was the only child of Jewish parents. In 1964 he and Jo de Jong set up De Jong & Lavino, steel suppliers. In addition to his love of clocks, romantic paintings and rugs, between 1980 and 2002 he devoted himself with great passion to collecting Dutch delftware. 

Milk jugs in the shape of a monkey, Delft, 1750-1770, tin glaze, height 22 cm, Gemeentemuseum The Hague - The Lavino Collection.

Collection of the museum 
The Gemeentemuseum’s existing collection of Dutch delftware is also based on a private collection. In 1904 the museum received a bequest from Mr A.H.H. van der Burgh (1845-1904). His collection, numbering 530 items, focused on eighteenth-century coloured Delftware. The Van der Burgh collection became the basis for an expansion of the decorative arts collection, which now also includes Chinese and Islamic ceramics. The museum’s Dutch delftware collection, together with the Lavino Collection, now comprises over 2000 objects. The long-term loan of the Lavino Collection will allow the Gemeentemuseum to give its visitors access to a world-class private collection of Dutch delftware – a rare opportunity indeed. 

At the time of the opening of the exhibition (31 August 2019 to 1 March 2020), the entire Lavino Collection will become accessible online.

Two terrines with lids with white swans on top, Delft, 1750-1780, tin glaze, height 13.5 cm, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag - The Lavino Collection.