A 19th-century porcelain maker in Galicia, Spain, which was revived in the mid-20th century with a mission to promote the motifs, forms and colours of Galician culture, Sargadelos produces exquisitely crafted tableware, figures and jewellery, decorated and finished by hand at its two local factories. Its 20th-century pieces remain as fresh as its contemporary output.
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Sargadelos: Hand-decorated porcelain inspired by the Galicia region
Sargadelos was founded by Antonio Raimundo Ibáñez in the early years of the nineteenth century, with the inauguration of a chinaware factory in the parish of the same name, in the local council of Cervo (Lugo, Spain) in 1806. Ibáñez was a prominent figure in the early industrialisation of Galicia. From an early age his entrepreneurial spirit led him to become involved in ground-breaking activities, such as the exploitation of trade routes between Ribadeo and Cádiz or the Baltic Sea, which led him to create the "Royal Maritime Company" in 1788.
Making use of his profits and the protection in Madrid of Godoy, the prime minister of Carlos IV, Ibáñez built a large ironworks in Sargadelos. The kilns produced many of the pipes, chains, hydraulic wheels, kitchen implements and other tools that were used in eighteenth-century Spain. Sargadelos produced a series of beautiful sculptures, public fountains and decorative balustrades that can still be seen today in some of Galicia’s cities.
The company continued to expand with the construction of a chinaware factory, thanks to the excellent quality of the kaolin clay deposits found close to Sargadelos.
After Raimundo Ibáñez’s death his son, José Ibáñez, took over control of Sargadelos. He extended the original factory, installing three production kilns, two smaller kilns for test pieces, and a series of workshops with more than 25 potter’s wheels. By the 1830’s the factory produced up to 20,000 pieces of chinaware a year. The first hand-painted pieces date from this period, characterised by white glossy enamel and a cream or slightly blue tinge, with the most outstanding pieces being plaques, flowerpots and jars, designed in neo-classic style inspired by Bristol chinaware from England.
In 1845 the running of Sargadelos was taken over by Luis de la Riva y Cía and 1849 marked the golden era for the company, with over 1000 families employed to work four different kilns, 30 drying chambers, mills, nine large workshops and eight presses.
During this time Englishman Edwin Forester introduced exceptional qualities and varieties of tableware and figures to the Sargadelos collection. He implemented the use of porcelain known as opaque china or semi china, differentiated by the quality of its manufacture and decorated with floral patterns, prints in sepia and chestnut tones, and hand painted motifs in greens, blues, yellows and pinks.
However, in 1875 the Ibáñez family returned to run Sardgadelo. The same pieces from the previous stage were reproduced, without achieving the same quality. Investments in new installations came to a stop, and expert foreign ceramicists were no longer employed. Economic losses led to Sargadelos closing down in 1875.
The reconstruction of the Sargadelos factory started in Cervo in 1968, after the formation of the company Cerámica de Sargadelos, a project led by Isaac Díaz Pardo and painter Luis Seoane. Their aim was to restore the spirit of the old Sargadelos and the cultural conception of what Galicia represented. The success was immediate. Design and quality were combined with history, making the brand Sargadelos an iconic reference. Today, Sargadelos produces exquisitely crafted tableware, figures and jewellery, decorated and finished by hand at its two local factories. Its 20th-century pieces remain as fresh as its contemporary output. Still loved by the Galicians, Sargadelos is proud to expand its good work and brand beyond its borders.
Sargadelos Iconic Products
'Anthropomorphic' Outline Woman
Part of Spanish porcelain maker Sargadelos’ Author collection, a result of artistic collaborations, ‘Anthropomorphic’ Outline Woman is a whole lot more fetching than her name, not to mention hand decorated and finished at Sargadelos’ factories in Galicia. She has a compelling presence on her own, but she can also be paired with Anthropomorphic Outline Man.
Drinking Jug 'No.1’
Sargadelos is known for its original designs, inspired by the motifs, forms and colours of Galician culture. This piece is hand-decorated, made from hand-finished porcelain at its two factories in the region. Drinking Jug No.1 is a boldly characterful piece in the brand’s signature blue and white hues.
'Arlequin Picasso'
Sargadelos rich clay adorned with motifs, architecture and colours, to create highly original designs, all hand decorated and finished at the two factories in the region. Created to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Pablo Picasso's first exhibition, the 'Arlequin Picasso' (Harlequin) is a celebration of the artist and features extensive hand painted decoration in intense shades of red, blue and yellow applied to glazed porcelain.
'Cock' GG1
Spanish porcelain maker Sargadelos’ richly hued, original designs are inspired by the traditions and motifs of Galician culture. This delightful model is no exception and forms part of a series of cockerels, in different poses, and is certainly an object to crow about. Like all Sargadelos’ pieces, it is hand decorated and finished in Galicia.
'Paxárica’ Collection
Sargadelos provides exquisite, hand-decorated porcelain inspired by the motifs, forms and colours of the Galicia region. This large oval platter’s striking geometric Monférico pattern references the baroque facade of the Monfero Monastery in La Coruña.
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