Treasure behind the treasure: Het Keramisch Huis

In this monthly feature, we shine a spotlight on one of our entrepreneurs. This time, it’s a double celebration as we sit down with Amy and Michelle, the enterprising duo behind Het Keramisch Huis. In the autumn of 2024, they opened the doors to this “home for clay and ceramics,” where they hope to share their passion and expertise with the rest of The Hague.

Through a range of courses and workshops for both beginners and experienced makers, Amy and Michelle aim to get the whole city working with clay. Whether you arrive with a fully developed design or prefer to experiment and improvise, they will help you navigate the endless possibilities of the ceramic world. All workshops include materials, firing costs, coffee, tea, and something sweet (baked by Amy’s mother). Thanks to their clear guidance and relaxed atmosphere, you could soon be enjoying your morning tea or espresso from a handmade mug of your own.

How did you decide to start Het Keramisch Huis together?

Michelle: Our collaboration developed quite organically over the years, but I still remember a sunny evening on the beach at the end of summer, just after we graduated from the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague. I asked Amy for advice about what I should do with my life next. We both wanted to keep working with ceramics, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves spending our days alone in a studio. I wasn’t ready yet to exhibit or sell my work; I mainly wanted to keep making, experimenting, and discovering.

Half as a joke, I suggested to Amy that we start giving ceramics workshops ourselves. That way, we could both continue working with the material without the pressure of having to sell our work. Instead, we could share our knowledge, meet new people, and keep learning from the participants we would guide.

Amy’s response was incredibly enthusiastic, and her confidence in the idea immediately made it clear that this was the next step we both wanted to take. From that moment on, we knew we had to do this together. That feeling became the foundation of what would later become our shared “home.”

Do you have a favourite place in The Hague where you like to go for inspiration or relaxation?

Amy: What we share is our love for the beach. The beach also plays an important role in our collaboration more often than not. When we need to make important decisions, discuss new ideas, or think about the next steps for our business, we often meet there. The calm, the space, and the closeness of the sea help us think freely, brainstorm, and develop new plans together.

Which treasure is high on your list to visit, and why?

We are very curious about MAAK. atelier by Fleur, which recently became a Haagse treasure. It seems like an inspiring creative meeting place, with a similar approach to ours.