Sustainable Ceramics #2: Investigating a footprint
until 25 October
Ceramics are among the most durable materials in existence: as long as they don’t break, they can last for thousands of years. At the same time, their production is anything but sustainable. Together with Lab AIR from Rotterdam, we explore this paradox in the second exhibition of a 3 part series
This exhibition exposes the other side of ceramic production, addressing issues such as raw material extraction, throwaway culture and its impact on the climate crisis. It raises questions like: should new ceramics still be made? And if so, how can this be done sustainably?
In three parts, the exhibition takes visitors through the history, impact and possible future of ceramics, using the coffee or teacup as a vessel for stories. The first part presents the Smogware project by Lab AIR.
Smogware
In this participatory project, porcelain tableware is glazed with fine particulate matter collected from different cities by local residents and used as a ‘conversation piece’. In doing so, the designers make the invisible traces of air pollution tangible and show how ceramics can contribute to awareness of our shared responsibility for the environment.
From 16th-century porcelain to the IKEA mug
T…
This exhibition exposes the other side of ceramic production, addressing issues such as raw material extraction, throwaway culture and its impact on the climate crisis. It raises questions like: should new ceramics still be made? And if so, how can this be done sustainably?
In three parts, the exhibition takes visitors through the history, impact and possible future of ceramics, using the coffee or teacup as a vessel for stories. The first part presents the Smogware project by Lab AIR.
Smogware
In this participatory project, porcelain tableware is glazed with fine particulate matter collected from different cities by local residents and used as a ‘conversation piece’. In doing so, the designers make the invisible traces of air pollution tangible and show how ceramics can contribute to awareness of our shared responsibility for the environment.
From 16th-century porcelain to the IKEA mug
The second part of the exhibition explores the historical development of ceramics. Through four cups — ranging from 16th-century Chinese porcelain to the iconic IKEA mug — it offers insight into production processes, labour conditions and ecological impact across the centuries. Lab AIR adds a graphic layer that visualises footprint and logistics, making clear how craftsmanship, industry and economic systems are intertwined with social inequality and environmental impact.
Contemporary makers
The third part focuses on contemporary makers. They present ceramics made from recycled porcelain, locally sourced clay and unfired earthenware, demonstrating alternative approaches that treat materials with care and consider both people and planet. Through this, the museum and Lab AIR show that ceramics are not only heritage objects, but also a means to address societal issues. Works are shown by, among others: Alternative Ceramics Supply (Australia); Hannah Rose Whittle and Benedetta Pompili of the Rijksakademie Tech Fellowship Programme (mentored by Marianne Peijnenburg), Amsterdam; Studio Lotte Douwes, Rotterdam; and Fabrikaat, Nijmegen.
Lab AIR
Research and design studio Lab AIR was founded by social designer and architect Iris de Kievith together with designer and PhD researcher Annemarie Piscaer. They work on projects aimed at increasing understanding of complex issues such as air quality and inspiring pathways toward a healthier future. Lab AIR initiates its own projects and collaborates across disciplines, including designers, artists, chefs, scientists and craftspeople. The public is actively involved in the making process, presentations and discussions.
Sustainability at Keramiekmuseum Princessehof
Keramiekmuseum Princessehof is the national museum for ceramics, housed in an 18th-century city palace in Leeuwarden and the birthplace of M.C. Escher. The museum holds an internationally renowned collection featuring masterpieces from Asia and Europe and organises leading exhibitions that place ceramics in a contemporary context.
Sustainability is a key pillar of the museum’s practice: existing display cases are reused, and circular choices are made for exhibition and print materials. An internal Green Team continuously proposes circular and environmentally friendly initiatives and alternatives. The theme of sustainability receives additional emphasis in the international exhibition series Sustainable Ceramics.
In 2023, 2025 and 2027, the museum presents three consecutive exhibitions curated by Dr Wendy Gers. The series examines the sustainability of raw materials, production, use and recycling.
The three-part series Sustainable Ceramics (2023, 2025 and 2027) focuses specifically on sustainability in materials, production, use and recycling. Curated by Dr Wendy Gers, curator of modern and contemporary ceramics, the series consists of:
Sustainable Ceramics #1: Recycled, Repaired, Reactivated
23 November 2023 – 3 November 2024
Sustainable Ceramics #2: Investigating a Footprint
22 November 2025 – 25 October 2026
Sustainable Ceramics #3 focuses on ceramics as a means of building resilient communities and will be on view from November 2027 to October 2028