Andreas Heege, 2024
Pottery made by Hans Schneider in CERAMICA CH
In 1961, Adolf Schweizer (1893-1967) sold his art pottery, formerly known as the Wanzenried Manufactory, to Hans Schneider-Kraft, master potter from Seftigen (1923-2006) and his wife, Susi Schneider-Kraft. Hans Schneider completely renovated and modernised the business (Thuner Tagblatt 86, No. 275, 23rd November 1962; see also the land register, GB Thun, Bel. 6, No. 7226, dated 16th October 1961). In 1965, he dismantled the old clay preparation equipment, which was far too large for the business and not economically viable (Frank 2000, 575, 578).
1991 alterations: Thuner Tagblatt, Volume 115, No. 38, 15th February 1991
Thuner Tagblatt 115, No. 77, 4/4/1991
Further extensive renovation work was carried out on the buildings of Johann Wanzenried’s former majolica factory from 1989 to 1992 (Thuner Tagblatt, Volume 115, No. 38, 15th February 1991; Thuner Tagblatt 115, No. 77, 4/4/1991, cf. also Frank 2000, 575).
Hans Schneider continued to manufacture pottery until at least 1996. He exhibited his ceramics at the 1994 trade exhibition in Steffisburg (Thuner Tagblatt, Volume 120, No. 95, 24th April 1996). It is not clear exactly when the business closed down.
Hans Schneider on Antik und Rar
Translation Sandy Haemmerle
References:
Frank 2000
Georg Frank, “Dank dem Gewerbefleiss früherer Jahrhunderte”. Die Nutzung der Wasserkraft in der bernischen Gemeinde Steffisburg vom ausgehenden 13. Jahrhundert bis zur Gegenwart, Thun 2000, bes. Kap. 4.16.
