Royal Tichelaar Makkum: A Legacy Forged in Clay The village of Makkum, nestled in Friesland, Netherlands, holds a secret – a legacy stretching back over four centuries to 1572. This unassuming location is the birthplace of Royal Tichelaar Makkum, arguably the oldest ceramics company still operating today, and its story is one interwoven with Dutch history, artistic innovation, and an unwavering dedication to traditional craftsmanship. Founded by Freerk Jans Tichelaar, initially as a brickmaker, the company swiftly transitioned into producing decorative pottery in the late 18th and early 19t…