A Touch of Spanish Flair ~ Kathryn Delevigne
AT THYME
El Pepito was born one night in the summer of 2020 over a few glasses of wine between Kathryn and Francisco, who had long appreciated the traditional artisan pottery of Granada during their trips to southern Spain. The bowl-shaped ceramics, the ‘fajalauza,’ encapsulates the Moorish design and architecture that the city is famous for. Camilla discovered these heavenly hand -painted pieces and thought they would add a touch of beautiful, romantic Spanish design to Thyme’s Orchid House, a tranquil spot beside the spring water pool. We sat down with Kathryn to hear about the tale behind El Pepito and the provenance of these marvellous ceramics.
Your gorgeous pieces come from the town of Granada in southern Spain. Could you tell us about the heritage of the ceramic craft in this region?
The foundations of the ceramic crafts in Granada are intrinsically linked with the city’s design and architecture, influenced by the unique Christian and Muslim history of the region. The instantly recognisable Moorish design, with exquisite carved wood, scalloped stucco, filigree windows, patterned tiles and fajalauza ceramics fill the city. Fajalauza is named after the Puerta de Fajalauza, one of the gates of the Albayzin in the Moorish Quarter, where many of the potters’ workshops were based and where our Lebrillos are still made today.
How does their Spanish origin influence their style, colour, design?
The production, style, colours and designs have remained largely unchanged through the centuries with natural scenes, including pomegranates (the symbol of Granada), birds and flowers, featuring in many of the designs.
The traditional colours are green and blue. Whilst other colours and designs are now available, we love retaining the enduring beauty of their provenance.
Who are the craftsmen/women who create these pieces?
Manolo and his son Victor’s workshop is located in the Albayzin. Trained by Mr. Augustin Morales, a name synonymous with traditional Fajalauza ceramics, they are passionate about their craft and their skill is evident in every piece they produce using the centuries old traditional artisanal methods.
Describe the scene you hope someone is transported to when they look at one of your beautiful ceramics?
Finally back on holiday! Tapas on the terrace with friends, cervezas in hand listening to flamenco guitars! Evoking memories of peace and freedom and no social distancing!
Where do your stylish Lebrillos look at their best?
The natural texture and curved edges give the Lebrillos a timeless feel that provide a relaxed, informal centrepiece to any room or garden. They have been beautifully used in simple, clean designs and with an eclectic mix of antiquities and patterns. We couldn’t possibly decide on a favourite but the designer Gloria Gonzalez has compiled an encyclopaedia of images on her Instagram account for inspiration.
What furniture or artwork complements the Lebrillos?
The Lebrillos are the artwork! We love Beatua Heuman’s approach to interiors, ‘… Think of a moment when you come across an item that meant something to you as a child; there will be a leap of the heart and a flurry of emotion within. Recognising something personal is comforting, uplifting and sweet’. If Pepito Lebrillos can be that to someone, amongst a loved one’s lifetime curation of memories, something that the grandchildren fight over, that is where they would be most complimented!
Having said that, Brown Rigg and Anton and K are both local antique shops whose owners have both lived in the Mediterranean. Their antique furniture brings Mediterranean charm to English environments so effortlessly and almost everything in their stores would be a perfect companion for our Lebrillos.
What other tips can you share for adding a Lebrillo to your home?
They are hardy pieces of pottery, so don’t be afraid to use them for entertaining! They can easily be lifted from our wrought iron wall mounts and are dishwasher safe (if you have one large enough).
Take us to Granada! Where are your favourite boltholes?
Granada is a bolthole in itself! A city where you find peace as soon as you arrive but with so many places to visit and things to do.
A simple walk through the streets around the Alcaiceria Souk and the cathedral, continuing up to the Albaycin with breathtaking views of the Alhambra with Spanish guitars sounding in the background, finishing in the Los Mascarones bar for tapas and cañas (small beers) – it’s a cure for everything.
What is a must-do or see for stepping into the local lifestyle?
In Spring-Summer there are three main festivities that someone from Granada would never miss: Semana Santa, Dia de la Cruz and La Feria.
La Feria de Granada is the biggest event of the year with a whole week of festivities. The Feria is filled with casetas (green or red-and-white striped tents) that belong to a group of friends but that are open to everyone. People dress in their best flamenco outfits and many ride to the feria on Andalusian horses to eat, drink and dance all day (and night). Granadinos are really proud of their festivities and will welcome everyone with open arms.
We’re delighted to have these lovely Lebrillos in the Boutique! Don’t miss them launching soon.