1957-2000

Walter Gerhards KG was founded 1957 (registered in 1959) in Ransbach-Baumbach, by Walter Gerhards and his wife Elfriede Gerhards. Walter Gerhards KG was changed to Gerhards GmbH in 1974. In 1984 ownership of the company changed and the company continued to 2000.

In 1977 there were approximately 50 employees, later expanding up to 70 employees using six large electric ovens.

Elfriede Gerhards managed the company whilst Walter Gerhards led the artistic and technical designs.

Initially production focused on ceramic plant pots but soon switched to ornamental lighting and other decorative ceramics. A large range of decorative items were produced including light fixtures, vases and plates etc. Ceramic lights (standing or hanging) were supplied to lighting companies who completed the electronic components.

There was a particular interest in relief decorations, which reflected ancient scenes. Examples include the Assyrian lion hunt which replicated scenes from the British Museum and a Napoleon series which imitated items from the time (a jug gifted to from Napoleon I to the Empress Josephine in the Museum of Arts Decoratif in Paris).

With thanks to Ralf J. Schumann and the article he published in Trödler in April 2014 for much of the detailed information.