Produced by Women, Delftware Birds

This charming pair of duck-shaped butter tubs was made in Delft at the factory Het Oude Moriaanshooft, or “The Old Moor’s Head.” The mark on the base shows that they were produced during the ownership of Geertruij Verstelle, who led the factory between 1761 and 1769. Geertruij Verstelle was one of the few women to run a Delftware factory in the eighteenth century. Although most factories were managed by men, several women successfully took over and played an important role in keeping the Delftware industry strong. During her years in charge, the factory produced lively and fashionable pieces inspired by the Rococo style. The important role of women within the Delftware industry has recently received renewed scholarly attention. A newly published study by Genevieve Wheeler Brown explores the contributions of female factory owners in Delft, highlighting how figures such as Geertruij Verstelle helped sustain and shape the industry during the eighteenth century.