Porcelain dreams dashed. That’s how the story of Gustavsberg 76 actually began. Let’s step back in time to understand the rich history.
Here before us stands Gustavsberg 76. It is more than just a location. It is a testament to Swedish innovation and craftsmanship.
In the 1600s Sofia De la Garde founded a brickworks in Farsta Vik. She named it Gustavsberg. This marked the beginning of something special. Though it was not until 1825 that Gustavsberg became known for its manufacturing of porcelain.
Gustavsberg’s first porcelain factory was constructed in 1825. A couple of years later it officially opened. The first firing of porcelain occurred with great expectations. It turned out to be a major disappointment. The porcelain was of such poor quality that it had to be thrown away. Mr. Öhman gave up on his porcelain dreams. He sold the factory at auction.
In 1838 thirteen English porcelain specialists came to Gustavsberg. They used their expertise to convert production from German to English methods. The quality improved. The success story of Gustavsberg soon began.
Over and above the production methods the English porcelain experts brought something else. The anchor became a part of our logo. It was a common signature among English porcelain factories.
The gamble on English porcelain paid off. Gustavsberg became a pioneer. It won a variety of international awards.
Under the leadership of proprietor Wilhelm Odelberg the foundations were laid. Gustavsberg became a major company at the end of the century.
In 1939 Gustavsberg became a bathroom manufacturer. With its extensive experience with household porcelain it was natural. Gustavsberg turned its attention to sanitary porcelain. The new factory opened in 1939. It marked the start of a new chapter.
New Year’s Eve 1947 marked the coming of a completely new type of bathtub. Gustavsberg developed bathtubs made of form-pressed sheet steel. They were much more versatile than the heavy cast iron tubs. The Gustavsberg bathtub dominated the market.
Gustavsberg developed a unique water-saving technology. It resulted in a global patent. Fitting the mixer with a flow block meant that users saved both water and money. The water-saving mixers became a huge export success.
In 2021 Gustavsberg became the first manufacturer to receive EPDs. These are Environmental Product Declarations. They were for mixers and sanitary porcelain.
Gustavsberg has continued to develop smart sustainable products of Nordic design for the whole bathroom. It is what they do best.
Gustavsberg porcelain is an excellent example. It has succeeded in being maintained at its place of origin. The story of Gustavsberg 76 reflects the journey of innovation and adaptation. It is a legacy that continues to this day.