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June 27, 2024 – Published in Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2024 issue
Indulge in the prestigious collection from Herend and Halcyon Days at The Phoenicia Malta
Unquestionably well-known on the Maltese islands, Gio. Batta Delia was established in 1901 by Giovanni Battista Delia, introducing a rich collection of furniture creations and gorgeous designs. In the late 1960s, a shift in focus towards the importation of fine chinaware and glass allowed the award-winning firm to deal with the finest bone china and porcelain manufacturers within the UK and Europe.
In 2009, the family business took the proverbial plunge and completely shifted its main line of trade, selling the popular fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger at its Valletta outlet—which remains to this day. Nevertheless, their love for chinaware remained, as they realised there was a niche market for gifts of fine quality, and the firm mainly concentrated on three brands they solely represented for many years; namely, Herend Porcelain from Hungary and Halcyon Days from the United Kingdom, as well as the Portmeirion Group, which caters for a more casual line of tableware and giftware.
The Phoenicia Malta is one of the locations where a selection of items from Herend and Halcyon Days may be viewed and acquired.
Sitting back with a coffee on the plush sofas at the hotel’s Palm Court Lounge, we enjoyed an interesting conversation with Patrick Delia, who co-owns the firm with his brother John.
“Acquiring this retail point has renewed our past connection with this beautiful hotel,” stated Patrick. “Gio. Batta actually had a tiny showcase at The Phoenicia back in the 1970s, where people could view samples of our chinaware and then come to the shop to buy. And now, since September 2023, we are back here with these two display cases, where locals and tourists may browse creations from two of our classic brands—and even make a purchase without leaving the hotel.”
Patrick informed us that the Herend range may also be found at Camilleri Paris Mode in Rabat and at boutique hotel Domus Zamittello in Valletta. In Gozo, Vini e Capricci present products from Portmeirion, which mainly comprise more casual and everyday chinaware. Nonetheless, establishing the retail point for Herend and Halcyon Days at The Phoenicia Malta, just outside the capital city, is definitely a bonus for potential customers.
“Up to now, hotel guests have, naturally, been our more frequent shoppers,” Patrick continued, “but we also wish to invite local residents to come and browse these high-quality pieces at our retail point inside The Phoenicia. What’s more, we promise to offer them a seamless experience when they visit. Just as we do for our Tommy Hilfiger store, we will cover all parking fees for purchasing customers who park their car at the MCP Car Park across the road (conditions apply). And while they’re here, they could even stay on and enjoy some tasty refreshments in the unique ambience of this grand hotel.”
The two elegant cabinets displaying the Herend and Halcyon Days collections are located directly to the right of the hotel foyer.
The Herend name originates from the town in Hungary where the first luxury porcelain shop opened in 1826. Their exclusive pieces are traditionally composed and painted by hand, with some created as limited editions. The success of the brand rests mainly on the fact that they retained its production within the original factory in Herend, opting to preserve the historical legacy where it was born.
The Herend collection at The Phoenicia includes a selection of their charming animal figurines in different sizes, hand-painted with the traditional or fish scale patterns and varying between nine distinct colours. The delicate plates and bowls are adorned with their trademark flower or fruit designs, but other exquisite motifs can be found on the various objects on display, such as perfume bottles, jewel boxes, vases, and intricate pendants and bracelets.
Another glass cabinet displays collections from Halcyon Days. The British gift emporium was launched in 1950 in London’s Mayfair. As the company resuscitated the lost art of enamelling on copper, its reputation flourished, along with its extensive range of items also crafted by hand. Like Herend, the artisanal facilities for Halcyon Days remained in the UK, with their end products still enjoying worldwide popularity.
At The Phoenicia, various colourful bangles are available in eye-catching patterns and styles. Plated in 18-carat gold, the hand-enamelled brass bangles come in different sizes that easily slide over the wrist. Some feature a hinged opening with a clasp or come in a torque style. Lovely patterned scarves made from 100% silk complement the jewellery pieces, which include earrings and pendants, as well as hand-crafted enamel cufflinks for men.
Halcyon Days is famous for its signature enamel boxes—their original main business being snuff and pill boxes. These come in assorted editions and may also be customised with personal messages to commemorate special occasions. The showcase also includes lidded scented candles and diffusers in the brand’s fine bone china.
The extensive portfolio of handmade products from Herend and Halcyon Days may also be procured on order.
“Both brands are extremely vast, and we can help with items that are not in stock,” explained Patrick. “We urge clients to visit our social media page and contact us with any queries. Delivery is included, but if you are making your way to Valletta or Floriana, I invite you to come and view these distinguished pieces at The Phoenicia Malta. You will not only procure an extraordinary gift for a loved one—or even for yourself—but we will offer you a meaningful and all-inclusive experience at one of Malta’s prime locations.”
Gio. Batta Delia 1901, 307, Ferreria Palace, Republic Street, Valletta
+356 99896286
Opening hours at The Phoenicia Malta retail point:
Monday to Saturday – 10.00-17.00
