In its beginnings it was managed by Jacobo Vandergoten and his family, who came from Antwerp and occupied an estate on the outskirts of Madrid, next to the Puerta de Santa Barbara, from which the Royal Factory takes its name.

The themes are also renewed, which now include a greater variety, developing mythological motifs and picturesque customs, which responded to the decorative purpose of these manufactures.

Anton Rafael Mengs introduced a neoclassical concept in the composition not exempt from the picturesqueness that were to be applied to themes of customs, scenes, types and Spanish landscapes, as a product of the influence of the Enlightenment.

To this end, he was assisted by the architect Francesco Sabatini in the work of directing the Royal Factory and later (and in his absences) by Francisco Bayeu y Subías (appointed director after Mengs) and Mariano Salvador Maella.

Goya managed to combine in his work the styles of the previous schools and create one of his own, which henceforth characterized the Royal Factory until its decline after the reign of Charles IV and the War of Independence.

At the end of the 19th century, with the expansion of the city, production was moved to the present site on Fuenterrabía Street, not far from Atocha Railway Station.

As part of the rescue package, the business was sold by the Stuyck family in 1996 and became a foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture with the aim of providing a secure basis for the future.

In addition, the institution continues to restore outstanding examples of Spanish textile art, and rents space for cultural events and other activities.