Töpferkunst in Neuburg: women transform sound into true masterpieces!

Marion Hilgart and Maria Emslander-Haugg are two potpers from Ochsenhart, a district of Pappenheim in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district. In your small workshop you produce kitchen dishes, which include espresso cups and bread boxes. They sell their products in shops in Eichstätt and Neuburg.

The two potter is currently in the hectic pre -Christmas period. Despite the associated stress, they keep a calm attitude. Hilgart and Emslander-Haugg and their company Mema took the step into self-employment with their company. After their training as a ceramicist, both had initially worked as housewives and mothers. They got to know each other through a sister -in -law at a garden party and decided to found a common potter's workshop. Her first joint project, a Christmas exhibition, led to the foundation of the Mema.

in 2004

The workshop and its products

The company name "Mema" consists of the initials of the two women: Marion Hilgart (MA) and Maria Emslander-Haug (me). In 2004 they opened their first shop in Eichstätt, and in 2015 a second followed in Neuburg. In this, they not only present crockery produced themselves, but also commercial goods such as home accessories. The clay jugs that are specially made for the Neuburg Castle Festival are particularly in demand.

Production takes place in a small former tavern in Ochsenhart, which is less than 20 square meters in size. The pottery process consists of numerous work steps: Before the pieces are ready for sale, they have to be dried, burned and glazed. Emslander-Haugg explains that a potter has up to 50 times in his hands a bit before it is completed. Even if large companies like Ikea are part of the competition and offer ceramic goods cheaper, the two women find an increasing demand and appreciation for handmade pottery.

In the past, Mema offered pottery courses that met with great interest. However, the capacities are currently missing to continue to offer these courses. In addition, the potter's scene aims at individual learning: offers in this area include individual pottery courses and children's courses, as described on the website of Susannes ceramic workshop. The courses are suitable for both beginners and advanced users and offer a relaxed atmosphere.