Charity in the spirit of Herend art

“Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd. is not only a globally known successful porcelain brand and a world-leading enterprise within the industry, whose creations reach about 60 countries around the world, but also a socially responsible community. Herend has been an active supporter of numerous charity campaigns in the past. In the spirit of solidarity coupled with social responsibility, we must help those in need!” –Dr. Attila Simon, CEO of the Company, said.

As part of its latest charity campaign, Herend donated HUF 10,328,170 to the Hungarian National Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, proceeding from the charity auction of a Herend-patterned helmet worn by Formula 1 driver Lando Norris at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, thereby helping the everyday lives of the visually impaired. The donation will finance the publication of textbooks to help educate visually impaired young people and the accessibility of the building of the Unified Institute of Special Educational Methods for the Blind.

The helmet is special not only because of its uniqueness, but also because of its history. A total of three pieces were made, and the design was the result of several months of work. Herend Porcelain Manufactory and Lando Norris’ team worked closely together to ensure that the pattern on the helmet adequately represented the Herend traditions and the rich world of motifs of Hungarian culture.

The pattern on the helmet is based on the “Hungarian motifs” decor, inspired by elements of 15th-17th century Transylvanian embroidery. The twisted pattern of stylized tulips, carnations and pomegranates dates back to the millennium of the Hungarian conquest and is an emblematic motif of Herend porcelain art. In addition, images of birds, butterflies and bees of Herend’s “Jardin Zoologique a Bleu” decoration were also included in the helmet design.

The turquoise blue colour scheme of the helmet was selected from more than 800 Herend colours. The pattern was created by one of Herend’s master painters by hand with great precision using a needle-point brush according to Herend’s artisanal technology, so that the inimitable, unique elegance of Herend porcelain is reflected on the surface of the racing helmet.

With this collaboration, Herend Porcelain Manufactory and Lando Norris not only popularized Hungarian traditions and art but also provided significant assistance to organizations supporting the Hungarian visually impaired, setting an example of the power of collaboration and value creation.