Collection: Schramberg (Germany)

Schramberger Majolikafabrik, commonly known as SMF or Schramberg, was a German ceramics manufacturer based in Schramberg in the Black Forest. Its origins lie in the earthenware factory founded by Isidor Faist in 1820. After a period as a Villeroy & Boch branch, the factory passed to the Meyer brothers in 1912 and became Schramberger Majolikafabrik.

The factory’s post-war design history includes the work of Austrian ceramic designer Elfriede “Elfi” Stadler (1930–1968). A graduate of Vienna’s University of Applied Arts, Stadler worked for SMF from 1953 to 1963, developing new forms and decoration. Her contribution is documented by the Stadtmuseum Schramberg, which has devoted an exhibition to her work.

Ceramic production at Schramberg ended in 1989. The town’s museum preserves an extensive collection documenting the factory’s history and output. An individual piece’s designer, pattern and production date require their own supporting evidence; the company’s association with a designer does not establish authorship of every object.

Read more about Schramberg’s history here and Elfi Stadler’s work for SMF here.