Verbilki brings together ongoing porcelain production and the history of a park on the banks of the Dubna. The Manufaktury Gardner v Verbilkakh factory continues to produce high-quality porcelain and preserve a tradition spanning more than two centuries. Alongside it, Verbilki Recreation Park offers a different perspective on the town’s history.

Porcelain Tradition and Court Services

Between 1777 and 1783, four luxurious services were made in Verbilki for the imperial court: “Georgievskiy,” “Andreevskiy,” “Aleksandrovskiy,” and “Vladimirskiy.” These four named services bring a specific historical facet of porcelain production into view. Together with ongoing production, they trace a timeline from the court pieces of the late 18th century to the craft of the present day. The historical services and continued production thus offer two distinct perspectives in time on the same craft.

Tours and Porcelain Painting

The tours described for groups and individuals require advance booking; arrange a time before you arrive. The tour passes through areas for preparing the porcelain body, casting and shaping, as well as stages for the first firing, glazing, the tunnel kiln, and painting. The tour description also includes observing the production process during regular operations, including the firing of porcelain in a large tunnel kiln.

A post dated June 1, 2021, described a porcelain-painting workshop led by artists who were employed at the factory at the time. The option to purchase porcelain items for personal use or as a gift is also described; check in advance for the current selection.

Park History on the Dubna

Verbilki Recreation Park lies on the banks of the Dubna and was established in the early 19th century by descendants of Franz Gardner, founder of the porcelain factory. The services for the imperial court date from the late 18th century; the park was created at the beginning of the following century. These are two distinct historical periods, both connected with the history of the factory and the Gardner family. The factory is associated with a continuing craft, while the park is a riverside estate created by Gardner’s descendants.

Sports Facilities in Verbilki

The Verbilki Sports Complex adds local sports facilities to the cultural and historical attractions. It includes spaces for strength training, tennis, chess, and fitness. The outdoor facilities include an ice hockey rink, the Trud Stadium football pitch, a volleyball court, and two workout areas. There is also a facility used as a multi-purpose area in summer. Unlike the factory and park attractions, the focus here is on various indoor and outdoor facilities; the multi-purpose area has an explicitly seasonal use.

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