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Zollverein: Home to award-winning ceramic art
Where craftsmanship meets art: the internationally acclaimed master ceramist Young-Jae Lee, has been managing the Ceramic Workshop 'Margarethenhöhe' at Zollverein since 1993. Her unique hand-made objects are characterised by a clear and minimalist design vocabulary. Story by Anna Thelen, Zollverein Foundation.
It's probably not what you would expect to see - an artistic workshop in a former coal mine. Yet Zollverein has a long history in hosting workshops by award-winning artists like Young-Jae Lee.
Born in 1951, Lee creates art that combines traditional Eastern ceramic art with European minimalism of the Bauhaus. 'People drinking from our cups should be able to sense what we felt during the manufacturing process. That's why we put love and devotion into it,' says Lee.
The two different focal points of the workshop - utility ceramics and masterpieces - transform the manufactory into a melting pot of art, tradition and modernism.
The tableware produced in series is based on the Bauhaus tradition and complies with the principle of 'form follows function'. The simple shapes are perfected with harmonious colours, resulting in unlimited combination possibilities and making each ensemble an exceptional unit. Lee also creates personally designed masterpieces for exhibitions and collectors all over the world. Whether in restaurants in the South of France, in the guesthouse of Jordan’s royal family or in one’s own kitchen at home – the high-quality vases, bowls and plates are very popular among collectors from around the world.
The Ceramic Workshop Margarethenhöhe was one of the first new innovations to operate at the Zollverein World Heritage Site. Established in 1924 in the eponymous Margarethenhöhe estate in Essen, it moved to Zollverein Shaft 6/9 in 1933. The Workshop was relocated to Shaft 1/2/8 in 1987, making it the first studio at the premises of the decommissioned coal mine.
Today, the Ceramic Workshop Margarethenhöhe is open on Monday to Friday from 9–17 and on Saturday from 11–15. During the opening hours, visitors can discover and purchase unique pieces. Admission is free.
