Pols Potten: Family of Things: 2017

2017 | Business & Finance

The title refers both to the creation of the Pols Potten company and to the familiarity of traits apparent in the most iconic products the firm has sold and produced since its foundation in 1987. The authors started research for this story, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the business, by interviewing owners Jan Wolleswinkel and Theo Grootendorst. During one of these talks a strange, somewhat nostalgic analogy to an Italian circus movie (probably by Fellini) occurred to them. Imagine a troupe of acrobats, clowns, musicians, directors and odd helpers seated around a large table in the middle of the ring, enjoying a simple, delightful meal, drinking and discussing the evening's performance. Although a metaphor like this fails to exactly explain the complete business history, it helps to picture the playful nature of the portfolio and the driving force of Pols Potten as an extended family of mixed characters, balancing creative and entrepreneurial instincts, producing small furniture, accessories and objects in workshops around the world that deliver atmosphere and joy to homes globally.

Mary Hessing (Author)

Toon Lauwen (Author)