About the manufacturer Boch Frères Kéramis

Art Deco Ceramics by Boch Frères Kéramis

Boch Frères Keramis was one of the most important Belgian ceramic manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries, known for its high-quality Art Deco ceramics and innovative design language.

History of the Manufactory:

The "Kéramis" factory was founded in 1841 in Saint-Vaast, Wallonia (since 1869: La Louvière) by Victor Boch, who managed it until 1881. As early as 1844, the company was reorganized under the name Boch Frères, managed by his sons Eugène and Victor, and his son-in-law Jean-Baptiste Nothomb.

The factory was part of a larger family network that also included Boch Frères in Septfontaines (from 1855: Villeroy & Boch) and the factory in Tournai (1851–1891).

Throughout its history, the company underwent several name changes and strategic realignments. In 1948, it was renamed Boch Frères S.A. A year later, a new sanitary ware division was added, which expanded rapidly between 1955 and 1965.

However, the construction of a new production facility in 1972 came too late to capitalize on the economic boom of the 1960s. Despite restructuring and government aid, the situation deteriorated increasingly from 1974 onward.

In 1985, Boch Frères S.A. was finally liquidated. However, its artistic and industrial legacy lives on through collectors' items and museums – particularly through the work of designer Charles Catteau, which brought Boch Frères worldwide recognition in the field of Art Deco ceramics.

More information about the Boch factory:

Source: royalboch.com