Trenton is known for producing at least three things that start with the letter ‘P’, Patrick, Pork Roll, and Porcelain. While that first ‘P’ may not be worth mentioning, the last one, porcelain, certainly is. Trenton is known around the world for its porcelain, which is produced and sold here at the Boehm Showroom.

Located at 25 Princess Diana Lane, the Boehm Showroom’s street location is more than ceremonial, it boasts products there that were made for Princess Diana herself along with pieces that have been sent to Buckingham Palace, the Vatican, and the White House. The Patriot Eagle, for example, was used for the “Patriots Award” and is given every year by the United States Department of Defense. Wow – who knew?

Since 1950 the Boehm Showroom has operated here in Trenton and is still going strong with customers from around the world. Don’t let the outside appearance fool you. It’s rather unassuming, but the inside is nothing short of stunning. Think of it as a cheesesteak egg roll from 1911 Smokehouse. It looks normal on the outside but simply amazing on the inside. Patrons frequenting the showroom will walk in and find an assortment of handcrafted birds, flowers, marine and wild life figurines, patriotic pieces, and so much more.

All of these pieces are handcrafted from molds, glazed to get a smooth finish, decorated and painted by hand, and then finally sent into a kiln to be finished.  A lot of time and detail is put into these pieces and it shows. After all, some of these products sell for over $20,000. But don’t worry, there are many smaller pieces such as the “Brown Bear Cub” and “Spotted Sea Turtle” for those of us looking in the $50-$200 range. They also have sales throughout the year.

Many of the items were designed by Edward Marshal and Helen Boehm, who founded the shop nearly 7 decades ago. After the Boehm family passed away, the showroom transitioned owners and is currently owned and operated by Bob Arase – a longtime porcelain collector and dealer.

Arase was kind enough to give me a tour of the showroom and to explain the detailed process for how porcelain is made at their location. To truly appreciate the beauty of the work and detail that goes into every piece, you have to check it out for yourself.

You can visit the Boehm Showroom at their location on 25 Princess Diana Lane from 8am-4pm Monday- Friday or by appointment, to schedule call 609-396-2200. You can also check out their magnificent collection by visiting www.theboehmshowroom.com.

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