26. May 2008.

Two Porcelain Manufactories steeped in tradition held a joint exhibition at the Dóm Museum in Pécs. The gala opening took place on May 23rd. The several hundred guests were greeted by dr. Attila Simon, CEO of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory and subsequently by Mrs. Péter née Katalin Marosy, CEO of the Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory. The opening speech was delivered by Speaker of the House, Dr. Katalin Szili emphasised that both manufactories represent exceptional value in both Hungary’s and the world’s porcelain production, so it is of primary importance that we foster and preserve them for posterity. She described the joint exhibition as an ‘engagement’. Indeed, the current exhibition is unprecedented and unique as to date the two “Hungaricums” have never before been seen together at the same time and place except at the world's largest exhibitions and trade fairs. The Festival of Porcelains was made even more memorable by a short organ concert, performed by Tibor Köcski. Two experts from the Museum of Applied Arts, Gabriella Balla, an expert on the history of Herend, and Éva Csenkey, a specialist in Zsolnay porcelain, gave brief art historical overviews about the two world-acclaimed manufactories and their historic backgrounds, focusing on some distinctive pieces showcased at the exhibition.

A Hungarian Heritage: the Herend-Zsolnay exhibition. An assembly of the classic porcelains of the manufactories representing eternal value, where 19th century objects offer a perfect counterpoint to the unique artefacts of the new millennium, such as Herend's Héjja garments or Zsolnay's Kati Zoób couture collection. Individual and unique masterpieces and the most popular patterns are displayed side by side. In fact, on weekends visitors will have an insight into the creation process, as painters from Herend will display their mastership. The arrangement of the display cabinets close to one another also suggests: instead of being “rivals”, an exemplary cooperation of mutually respectful Hungaricums is on display till June 11th, next to the Dome in the city with a Mediterranean flair.