Francisco López González

A saddler in Seville

• Francisco (known as Paco) learned the trade from his father
• Seville has played an important part in his work
• He has made pieces for the Spanish Royal House

From a very young age, Francisco López González began working in his family's workshop and admits that he liked what his father did so much that he would fall asleep on the leather piled up in the workshop. As he learned the trade and took on more responsibility within the family business, Paco cultivated his creativity. This creativity has allowed him to create unique pieces with drawings and embossed designs on tracing paper that he then adapts to the design of bags, chaps, or, for example, belts. For him, his sources of inspiration are, above all, the great professionals in the trade. "Together with my father, they left me a legacy of countless works of craftsmanship to draw inspiration from," he says.

Interview

©López Guarnicionería

©López Guarnicionería

How do you know a job is well done?

For me, a well made work must be made with the best raw materials, have adequate proportions – as far as its measurements are concerned – and, of course, the finishes must match the work done.

What do you remember with joy from your career?

When the Royal House of Spain contacted us for the first time to carry out a series of commissions. Subsequently, numerous visits to the Zarzuela Palace followed, where we were able to share memorable moments.

What do you need to embark on this profession?

You need dedication, patience and perseverance. It is not a profession that can be learned in a few hours. One needs time and, therefore, the qualities mentioned above must be worked on.

In your work, do innovation and tradition go well together?

Yes, tradition undoubtedly goes hand in hand with learning and the acquisition of knowledge. Innovation is understood as the need to adapt to the demands of our customers and the possibility of implementing new technologies that allow us to continue advancing.

Francisco López González is an expert artisan he began his career in 1982

Works

©López Guarnicionería

©López Guarnicionería

©López Guarnicionería

©López Guarnicionería

©López Guarnicionería

Where

Experiences

Visit a saddlery workshop in Seville

30 Mins

Free