The adventure of continuity
- Brothers Blas Emilio, Roberto and Luis Fernando are fifth generation master potters from Granada
- They restore and replicate ancient pieces, preserving lost typologies from the Al-Andalus period
- They created the now-iconic pomegranate fruit ceramics which are a symbol of the city
Alfarería Casares, founded in 1941 by Blas Casares García, descendant of a long line of potters, stands today as one of the traditional active workshops in Granada. His three grandsons Blas Emilio, Luis Fernando and Roberto Casares Barbero, fifth-generation potters, run the workshop their father, Blas Casares Morales, inherited in the 1960s. The aesthetic of their work originates in traditional domestic life, yet their pieces can be found in private collections, in the homes of those who appreciate the juxtaposition of beauty and utility. Rooted in the Nasrid period and refined over centuries of Granadan tradition, the ceramic works made by the Casares trio are distinguished by their double-firing technique, ornate painted motifs, and Arab-style glazes. "Cobalt is used to produce its characteristic deep blue, whereas manganese provides copper and plum-like tones," explain the brothers.
Interview
- What challenges have you had to face to remain viable?
- All: Despite industrial pressures, our small family workshop remains faithful to the ancestral methods, producing unique, unrepeatable pottery, valued for its artistic and historical significance. Sometimes clients request brighter colours such as red and yellow for special commissions, but overall our daily work maintains the original characteristics of the Nasrid period.
- How were you introduced to pottery making?
- Blas Emilio: I was introduced to the potter’s wheel at seven by my father and his master artisans. Working on the lathe was like a game I enjoyed wholeheartedly. Years later I formally learned pottery and ceramic techniques at Granada’s Arts and Crafts School. My brothers, Roberto and Luis Fernando, on the other hand, specialised in painting and finishing processes.
- When did you begin to manage the workshop?
- Roberto: When our father retired in the 1990s, we renamed the workshop Alfarería Hermanos Casares. We remained in Monachil, focused on tradition rather than on modern trends and committed to safeguarding our father’s legacy. We transmit our knowledge to others and serve in the city’s restoration efforts.
- How have you prepared for a generational relay?
- Luis Fernando: We have encouraged our children – six potential successors – to pursue other careers offering them broader life choices. We are aware of the generational risk our craft faces and recognise that preserving this heritage depends on institutional support for us to be able to offer apprenticeships.
Blas Emilio, Luis Fernando & Roberto Casares are master artisans: they began their career in 1988 and they started teaching in 2010
Works
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Blas Emilio, Luis Fernando & Roberto Casares
