Craftsmanship whispers from these walls. The Silberwarenfabrik Koch und Bergfeld stands before you. It is more than just a factory. It is a testament to Bremen’s rich history of silver manufacturing.
Koch & Bergfeld’s story began in 1829. Gottfried Koch, a goldsmith, opened his workshop. He later partnered with Ludwig Bergfeld. Together, they laid the foundation for this enduring company. In 1856, they officially became Koch & Bergfeld.
This place played a crucial role in applied arts. Around 1900, Koch & Bergfeld contributed significantly to Historismus and Jugendstil. The impressive building itself dates back to 1882. Architect Fritz Dunkel designed this schloss-like structure. It is now a protected monument, complete with its gate.
Imagine the bustling workshops within. In 1859, the company moved to Auf den Häfen. It was then known as the Prägeanstalt. Here, machines and steam power aided production. This marked a shift from individual orders to serial production. Koch & Bergfeld adapted to changing times.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a golden age for Koch & Bergfeld. Their products reached far beyond Bremen. To avoid customs duties, they built a factory complex in Neuenlander Feld in 1874/75. This location was outside Bremen’s customs borders. This strategic move boosted exports.
By the early 1900s, Koch & Bergfeld employed hundreds. They were one of Germany’s three largest silver factories. They even supplied silverware to Norddeutscher Lloyd’s ships. Their reach extended to Colombia, Venezuela, and Tsarist Russia.
The UEFA Champions League trophy showcases Koch & Bergfeld’s artistry. Horst Heeren designed this iconic trophy in 1967. Koch & Bergfeld continues to produce it to this day. They also produce smaller replicas.
The company faced challenges during and after the World Wars. Parts of the factory were converted for war production. Economic hardships led to downsizing. However, Koch & Bergfeld persevered. They refocused on traditional craftsmanship.
In 1989, Villeroy & Boch acquired Koch & Bergfeld. But the partnership didn’t last. Eventually, the company was divided. Today, three independent entities carry on the Koch & Bergfeld legacy. These are the Besteckmanufaktur, the Silbermanufaktur Florian Blume GmbH & Co. KG and the historical Koch & Bergfeld GmbH.
Koch & Bergfeld earned recognition as a top German luxury brand. They received awards for their cutlery. The brand represents quality.
Though facing recent economic difficulties, the name Koch & Bergfeld still evokes images of exquisite silverware. Their historical designs and craftsmanship endure. The Silberwarenfabrik Koch und Bergfeld remains a Bremen landmark. It symbolizes the city’s long and distinguished silver-making tradition.