Joseph Hardtmuth

Joseph Hardtmuth (13 February 1758, Asparn an der Zaya – 23 May 1816, Vienna) was an Austrian architect, inventor and entrepreneur.

In 1789, he invented a new kind of earthenware with a lead-free glaze for tableware production, the so-called Vienna ware.

In 1810, he invented an artificial pumice and years later, a version of stoneware which was used to make mortars, funnels, and other utensils.

With the new method, graphite of inferior quality could be used in pencil manufacturing, lowering the price and making the product more accessible for the masses.

The extensive Liechtenstein possessions led him to Bohemia, Moravia and again to Lower Austria as building director.