Haviland China Exhibit Opens May 15th at the Hayes Presidential Center

 The Gilded Age of Haviland China

In the early 19th century Americans turned to Europe when purchasing china. When importer David Haviland was unable to satisfy his customers’ tastes for highly embellished fine china from European manufacturers, good-old American ingenuity came into play. Haviland built his own factory in Limoges, France, to turn out the finest china in the world with artistic flourishes to satisfy his U.S. customers.

The Hayes Presidential Center gathers an impressive collection of some of the earliest examples of Haviland China (1865-1895) for display in its exclusive exhibit The Gilded Age of Haviland China. The exhibit, created in partnership with regional Haviland collectors, is set to open May 15, 2012, and continues through September 16. The Gilded Age of Haviland China is supported by funding from title sponsor - the Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn Foundation .