Zsolnay Collection
Zsolnay Collection
Discover the history of the Art Nouveau ResoArt Villa and the largest private Zsolnay collection in Budapest!
Handled by the Resonator Cultural and Art Foundation, the Zsolnay collection involves almost 1000 pieces. The core of the collection is made up of artifacts produced in the Zsolnay factory in the period we call Historicism, starting from the middle of the 1870s lasting till the Millenium. This period, between 1878 and 1885 is regarded as the first golden age of Zsolnay both from a technical and an artistic point of view. The collection on display is the private property of András Szabó art collector and it presents the success story of the Zsolnay brand between the years 1870 and 1920 through the decorative ceramics produced in this period.
Zsolnay – There is Knowledge
The journey of the world-renowned Zsolnay ceramics is truly extraordinary.
The so-called “Zsolnay story” is unique in the history of Hungarian ceramics and applied arts. It began in 1851 when Miklós Zsolnay, a merchant from Pécs, purchased a plot of land in the eastern part of the city for his son, Ignác. On this land stood the former Lukafa stoneware factory, which had gone bankrupt. By 1853, it had been renovated and was producing kitchenware and terracotta drainage pipes for architectural use.
However, the factory lacked capital, and the economic climate was unfavourable. In 1865, Vilmos Zsolnay—a talented painter who had been steered towards business by his father—took over the struggling enterprise. With exceptional vision, tireless dedication and a deep thirst for knowledge, Vilmos transformed the modest factory into a world-famous brand.
Vilmos was constantly experimenting with materials and glazes, while his daughters, Teréz and Júlia, focused on creating decorative motifs. International recognition came at the Vienna World’s Fair in 1873, followed by a gold medal at the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris. By the end of the decade, Zsolnay had earned its place among Europe’s leading ceramics manufacturers. The brand’s position was further strengthened under Vilmos’s son and successor, Miklós, ensuring its continued success into the early 20th century.
What is the Zsolnay secret?
The first fifty years of Zsolnay’s history—its artistic and technical golden age—were defined by a unique philosophy. The key lay in an inventive combination of forms, techniques and colours, where each piece inspired the next. The interplay of recurring shapes and motifs created a visual language full of richness and originality.
This distinctive approach earned Zsolnay international acclaim—not only across Europe but also in Asia and the Americas. The legacy of the Zsolnay factory and family continues to inspire. It is a story of talent, perseverance, commitment to quality, strong family values and social responsibility—qualities that transformed a small workshop into a world-class, innovative factory, providing livelihoods for nearly a thousand people.
