Coffee mug Column | white

Archive Studio

4.9 · Minimum € 100

Archive is a design studio where all attention is focused on the usability and quality of the products. “Start small, grow slowly. That is the philosophy behind Archive. We are slowly expanding our series and design in one style that can always be combined. Very important is the lasting relationship with the user of the products. It is not necessary to purchase a whole set of dishes at once. Instead, the user can slowly grow with Archive Studio's new developments and the existing products will also remain available for a long time. In this way, each user puts together his own collection. The entire collection is handmade in a workshop in Vietnam where craft has been the basis of production for generations. Because the production of these products promotes the local poor economy, we are supported by the EU and we are exempt from import costs. In January 2018 and May 2019, we visited the workshop itself and saw how much dedication and expertise the products are made with. It feels very good to work with this supplier.” In August 2019, the service will be expanded for the first time with pasta plates and large cups for tea or latte. In addition, Archive Studio is working on a second collection that will be available in phases in the fall of 2019. THE CERAMIC The first collection is characterized by a contrast in finish on the inside and outside. The outside has a matte finish where the texture of the clay can be felt. The inside has an ivory-colored glaze layer that ensures good protection of the product. The way in which the two finishes come together on the edge of each product creates the characteristic look of this collection. The second collection fits nicely with the existing collection in terms of shape and color, but has a ribbed structure on the outside. In addition, unlike the first collection, these products are no longer colored after they come out of the oven. The pigments are already mixed with the liquid clay at the beginning of the production process. Due to this mixing process, the color is 'through and through' and the color tone of the outside is also reflected on the inside. The exception is the dégradé; these products are painted by hand after being baked at a low temperature. Because all products are made by hand and due to temperature differences in the oven, beautiful nuances in size and color are created. Each product is therefore unique. The products are first baked at a low temperature and later at 1,250 °C. The high temperature makes the clay compact and the product strong. This makes all products suitable for use in the dishwasher and microwave. Archive Studio's ceramic products come from North Vietnam. The products are shipped by container from Haiphong to Rotterdam. "It is important for us to continue working with our workshop in Vietnam. First of all, both they and we benefit from continuity. In addition, we have not yet found a workshop in Europe that can deliver such quality on a larger scale. Traditionally, Northern Vietnam is a region where refined tableware has come from for centuries. Because our products are made of stoneware and are extra strong thanks to the high temperature at which the products are baked, they last much longer than products made of, for example, earthenware. But we want to do more to reduce the burden on the environment. The most important measure we have taken is to omit the Styrofoam that used to protect our products. The thick Styrofoam has been replaced by a thin layer of cardboard, which means that we can transport 20% more products in the same container. In the Netherlands, we will then repackage the products ourselves, using only existing materials. Our aim is to operate completely plastic-free before the end of 2019. This means that we are looking hard for sustainable alternatives to the polystyrene foam, plastic tape and other plastic material that we currently use. Finally, as a studio, we now design more than just ceramic tableware. Thanks to a collaboration with a beautiful wood workshop in France, we will soon have saucers made of walnut wood available for our espresso cups and coffee cups. THE MAKERS After 6 years of working abroad for large organizations, Lynn and Wouter decide that it is time to set up something themselves and do it differently. “We really wanted to create a product line with our own vision. Sustainability, quality and craftsmanship play a major role in this. The beauty of tableware is that durability and design come together very well. Good crockery will last a lifetime and you will enjoy a good dish even more if it is served on a beautiful plate.