Gijsbrecht Lambrechts Cruijck and Delft pottery

An important pottery dynasty was the family of businessman Lambrecht Gijsbrechtsz. Cruijck, who bought factory “De Dissel” in 1640. He had enough money to encourage experimentations and push innovations. With the influx of money and inventiveness, an much experimenting, Dutch pottery factories managed to make a thin type of earthenware which was covered with a white tin glaze. Although made of low-fired earthenware, it resembled porcelain amazingly well. The Delft factories were able to produce some exceptional masterpieces in high quantities, and became one of the leading ceramic centers in Europe.

Delft Blue

Lambrecht Gijsbrechtsz. Cruijck had at least three children who either bought shares in other factories, or married other factories owners.
His daughter Christijna Cruijck (†1677) was married in 1643 to Wouter van Eenhoorn (†1679), who owned - or had shares - in “De Porceleyne Fles” (The Porcelain Bottle), “De Grieksche A”, “De Paauw”, “De Drie Posteleyne Astonne” (The Three Porcelain Ash-Barrels) and “Het Hooge Huys” (The High House).
Another daughter married Willem Cleffius (also: Klestius), who originated in Köln in Germany, and was living in Amsterdam. He invested in several pottery factories, too.
Lambrecht’s son Gijsbrecht Lambrechtsz. Cruijck owned “De Porceleyne Schotel”, “De Dissel”, “De Witte Ster” (The White Star) and “De Paauw”. Lambrecht’s grandchildren later reproduced a similar scheme, and - until around 1720 - they had a quasi-monopoly over the industry.

The Dutch Delftware industry was closely protected and supervised by the Guild of Saint Luke. Self-employed pottery owners were required to obtain the title of master from the Guild. This level of mastery was ensured by a compulsory master’s test and an additional financial contribution.
Soon after his father's death in 1644, Gijsbrecht Cruijck became a master pottery baker on 23 October 1645. His work was praised for the skilfully modelled forms, the elegance and the slightly pale decor that stood out against a light, azure blue background.

The old church in Delft

A prenuptial agreement was made on 1 July 1646 in Delft between Gijsbrecht Kruijck and his betrothed Annetgen van Lit. Gijsbrecht was accompanied with his brother-in-law Wouter van Eenhoorn and his uncle Harmen Willems Braije. Annetgen was assisted by her father Wouter Claess van Lit. The couple were married on the 22nd. Gijsbrecht Kruijck had 6 children buried in the period 1648-1663, and additionally a son in 1670. Lambertus, Hendrick and Judith, who reached adulthood and were married, are most likely his surviving children.

Pottery factory “De Paauw” (The Peacock), located at the Koornmarkt in Delft, was founded in 1651. Initially its ownership was shared among several people. In 1663 Willem Cleffius, Gijsbrecht Lambrechtsz Cruijck, Wouter van Eenhoorn and Leendert van der Let were its owners. In 1677 Gijsbrecht was no longer one of them.
Gijsbrecht was also owner of pottery factory “De Porceleyne Schotel”. He had bought the latter from Dirck Hieronimusz van Kessel in the 1640s. That factory had grown into a row of houses, barns and yards, and included 2 mills, and its own clay laundry, which was located on the east side of the town.

Gijsbrecht's son Lambrecht married Louijsa, daughter of Simon de Breet, on 29 August 1683 in Delft. Lambertus and Louijsa had a large family together, including children named Anna, Simon, Mari, Beatrix, Joannes, Hendrintje and Judith. This Lambrecht Cruijck died on 2 February 1713 in Wateringen. His descendant Johanna Kruijk (1795-1874) was the mother of Johanna Zuijderwijk (1832-1878) who lived in Rhoon, and is an ancestor of my nephews.
Annetgen van Lit was buried in Delft on 19 February 1665. Her widower, Gijsbrecht Lambrechts Cruijck, died on 27 January 1682, and was buried on the 30th in Delft.

Sources: StadsArchiefDelft.nl, Aronson.com, Archive.org, StichtingBehoudVanOud.nl, Wikipedia.org, List of historical pottery factories in Delft.