Ceramics are classified as inorganic and nonmetallic materials that are essential to our daily lifestyle. Ceramic and materials engineers are the people who design the processes in which these products can be made, create new types of ceramic products, and find different uses for ceramic products in everyday life.

Depending on their method of formation, ceramics can be dense or lightweight. Typically, they will demonstrate excellent strength and hardness properties; however, they are often brittle in nature.

Ceramics are generally made by taking mixtures of clay, earthen elements, powders, and water and shaping them into desired forms. Once the ceramic has been shaped, it is fired in a high temperature oven known as a kiln. Often, ceramics are covered in decorative, waterproof, paint-like substances known as glazes.

Vitra produces all of its ceramic products in Europe. With a strong focus on sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact on the planet, renewable energy with solar power, recyclable waste water treatment and careful waste management have become a key factor in creating high quality products from a natural material.

This film shows the many different steps involved in the hand-crafted production of the Ceramic Clocks by George Nelson – from casting to glazing and firing in the kiln, to assembling the movements and the packing of each clock.

The decorative ceramic figure L'Oiseau is hand crafted in a process requiring several different steps. The film provides a brief insight into the complex fabrication of this accessory designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec.

Like all Vitra products, ceramic objects will last for many years if taken care of. Ceramics can be cleaned by using just a damp cloth, gently rubbing over the surface. Please note that the Ceramic Clocks are hand painted and not glazed and therefore should only be wiped with a dry cloth.