The Art of Hosting 

Royal Copenhagen x Vitra | June 7-9
For 3daysofdesign 2023, Royal Copenhagen and Vitra are joining forces to celebrate the art of hosting: a synthesis of two iconic design legacies in a joyful table setting experience at Royal Copenhagen’s historic location in the heart of the Danish capital.

250 Years of Craftsmanship and design

This year, Royal Copenhagen celebrates 250 years of unparalleled craftsmanship, design, and innovation. As part of 3daysofdesign between June 18-20, 2025, Royal Copenhagen invites visitors to an immersive exhibition that pays homage to its rich heritage and timeless artistry.
People at the design talk during Three days of Design in Copenhagen

Hertitage: A foundation not a weight

Becky Sunshine opened the debate asking how the role of heritage could be defined, when it can be both a treasure and a weight.

Jasper Toron Nielsen described the duality of stepping into a legacy brand being both overwhelmed by the beauty and scale of what came before him and feeling the pressure that followed. “What could I possibly add to a brand with 250 years of history? But I realised that history and heritage aren’t a burden, they’re a rich resource. Instead of fearing heritage, we use it. In fact, many of our techniques come directly from it.”

Design Talk during Three days of Design in Copenhagen

Disruption vs. respect

The panellists also reflected on the tension between protecting icons and pushing them forward. "There is a need to challenge expectations. Legacy brands must evolve to survive," said Paula Gerbase.

Jasper Toron Nielsen added, “You’re constantly balancing the relevance of iconic patterns and forms with the need for contemporary expression. Of course we need to innovate and develop new collections that reflect the times we live in, but the brand’s true icons will always be the backbone. It’s interesting to work so closely with these enduring designs - to keep them relevant while also respecting what they are and what they mean to people.”

hand painting of a piece og Blue Fluted Full Lace

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY ON PORCELAIN

Take part in one of our drop-in porcelain painting workshops. Explore your creativity with expert guidance from one of our porcelain painters. Your piece will later be used in one of Royal Copenhagen’s creative projects.

Drop by and claim a painting spot - Limited availability. New workshops start every hour.

18 June: 10:00 – 14:00
19 June: 10:00 and 14:00 - 16:00
20 June: every hour between 10:00 – 16:00

Plates note, no royalties are given for artworks created and plates will not be handed out after the workshop.

Design Talk during Three days of Design in Copenhagen

Final Reflections of How Heritage Brands Stay in Motion

At the end of the discussion, each panellist shared what they believe is the one essential thing a heritage brand must do to stay in motion. For Royal Copenhagen, Jasper Toron Nielsen emphasised the importance of balancing humility for the past with the courage to move forward. Tiina Karjalainen Kierysch remarked, “Always design for the future. That’s how you honour the past,” and Paula Gerbase concluded with, “Know who you are, who you’re designing for, and trust that it’s enough.”

The conversation underscored a shared belief that heritage is not about freezing the past in time. It's about engaging with it - respectfully, imaginatively, and with curiosity.