More than 200 years ago, a marquis settled in Galicia – from Asturias – who was not really a marquis because according to historians there is no record of such a noble title. However, as our man went down in history as a marquis, today, here, we will present him like this. With all of you, Antonio Raimundo Ibáñez (1749-1809), the entrepreneur, industrialist and with a refined taste for the plastic arts who founded the Sargadelos earthenware factory in 1806. A name, by the way, that comes from salt. From the adjective salado, salty. Because the lands of the Lugo mariña of Sargadelos were salty, the parish in which Cervo is located, the little town of Lugo that would remain linked for life to the ceramics of the non-marquis’ factory. But, who could know then? To go to the beginning of Sargadelos you have to ask yourself another question. Why a china factory there? Basically, for its natural resources. Travel magazines recommend not overlooking the area and that is what Antonio Raimundo did, who had just developed maritime routes, established the Royal Maritime Company and founded a very advanced industrial project: a steel factory. In the heat of this, and aware of those natural resources, such as kaolin – pure white clay used for ceramics and earthenware -, he decided to open the earthenware factory. The current owner of Sargadelos, Segismundo García, reminds us that the decoration of those first pieces, always made of earthenware – “not fine porcelain like today” – presented a notable English influence that was highly valued in those times.Shelves for storing moldsThe one in Sargadelos, which would become the Royal Factory of Sargadelos, already employed more than two hundred in its beginnings. workers. But since 200 years are too many, the firm has gone through “various stages of splendor and decline,” García explains to us. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Related News report Yes At the beginning… of the Danone brand María José Fuenteálamo After his father was murdered in strange circumstances, José Ibáñez, the son of the founder, expanded the factory and built more workshops, reaching 25 ovens. In 1812 the production of ‘Chinese’ porcelain began, according to the Mining Chamber of Galicia. In the 1930s, around 20,000 pieces were produced annually from Sargadelos. And there they began a golden stage. With hand-painted white earthenware, with the first tests in printing and color. They launched themselves into traditional, mythological and religious motifs. The painter, ceramist and intellectual, Isaac Díaz Pardo, In the 50s of the same century, variety and color was added to production and about a thousand families came to work for his factories, including the steel factory. . It was, according to the Museum of Fine Arts of La Coruña, the most productive stage of the Faience Factory (from 1845 to 1862), “in which the latest advances in industrial technology were introduced.” 25 years later, however , due to different lawsuits, changes in management and disputes, the factory closed its doors. “The ovens and buildings were destroyed to use the stones,” recalls the Official Mining Chamber of Galicia. But what seemed to have disappeared forever would be reborn. Resurgence It would be two painters Isaac Díaz Pardo and Luis Seoane who ended up promoting the resurgence of Sargadelos. The first had created a ceramic workshop that became an industrial complex, experimenting with new techniques and designs. The good relationship between both helped the economic and cultural recovery of Galicia, they point out in Sargadelos. In this context, in 1968 work began on the current Cervo factory after the constitution of the Sargadelos Ceramic Society. The success, they remember in the firm, was immediate. In 1972, the set of old factories was declared a Historic-Artistic complex (later an Asset of Cultural Interest) “due to the beauty achieved in its workshops and the rich cultural legacy that it had imprinted on the society of the time.” Historical photo of the factory by SargadelosThe new Sargadelos started with table and decoration pieces, with blue and brown as basic colors, with red in special pieces. Series dedicated to Rosalía de Castro, Antonio Machado, Unamuno, Vallé Inclán, Pérez Galdós and Picasso were developed. Also amulets, based on legends such as stories of friends. Jewelry began to be designed, from rings to earrings…In 2021, a museum was opened in the Sargadelos factory, with pieces representative of the history of Sargadelos and the summer residence of Isaac Díaz Pardo was also opened to the public.In Currently, Sargadelos has a turnover of around 12 million euros annually. It manufactures more than 300,000 pieces a year and has a staff of 239 workers. Among them was Eva Cárdenas, wife of the PP leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, for a couple of years. She left when her husband moved to Madrid.- What can you tell us about your time at the firm? Would you have liked me to continue with you? – It was a good stage and we maintain a good friendship. Sargadelos currently has 15 exclusive distribution points and 70 decoration stores. They sell all over the world and have representation in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Thailand, Japan and France. “His pieces,” recalls Segismundo García, “are sought after by antique dealers, art galleries, collectors and, of course, those of old Sargadelos, by museums.” His best stageWhen I ask Segismundo García about all the stages of Sargadelos, today sole administrator, which has been the best?, he does not hesitate: «In my opinion, this is it. “We have never sold so much nor have we enjoyed so much prestige at an international level.” He assures that the firm makes pieces “that, due to their shapes and quality, are in high demand.” García, who praises the Sargadelos design team – “the creative team is our true asset” – assures that although they have many proposals, they are reluctant to collaborate with other artists. From its factory, for example, special collections come out for the MOMA store – Museum of Modern Art in New York – And when we talk about the worst years, apart from the closure of 1875, it refers to just over a decade ago. “I remember with special displeasure the suspension of payments declared by the previous management at the end of 2012. Also, it is true, that this circumstance allowed me to acquire almost all of the capital of the companies.” – How was your arrival at Sargadelos? When did you decide to take charge of the firm? – My arrival at the company occurred in the nineties of the last century as a very, very minority partner. Sargadelos has always been an emblematic company in Galicia and I longed to have a stake. Then, circumstances, destiny and, perhaps also, my management capacity, led me to the current situation. – In the surrounding towns, are there Sargadelos in all the houses? – I could almost assure you that in all of Galicia it is Rare is the house that does not own a piece of Sargadelos.- Do you think Sargadelos is sufficiently valued in Spain? Do the administrations take care of the firm? – No. We are not sufficiently known at a popular level. Yes, and highly valued, in certain artistic or elitist environments. As I am a liberal, I understand that public administrations must take care of other aspects of coexistence. Commercial companies must be self-sufficient. I am not a supporter of subsidies or aid. But I am critical of the excess of regulation and obstacles that are placed in Spain on the birth or development of companies. – How do you see the future of a brand like Sargadelos in today’s throwaway world? Is authentic and artisanal more valued? Is it difficult to fight against the industry and urgent fashions? – Sargadelos, if you allow me, does not participate in any fight or competition. We simply do our work with passion and skill. We are proud to belong to an emblematic company of a people, the Galician, and that our products are benchmarks of quality and design. Our challenge is not numbers or following trends. Our challenge is not to disappoint the expectations of our select clientele.
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