Luis Méndez

Jewellery maker

©Luis F. Lorenzo

©Ángel Sánchez Gallego

©Gsus Fernandez

©K Rol Apache

©Victorino García Calderón

A centuries-old craft in modern hands

Luis represents the third generation of the family business
He and his brothers bring filigree jewellery into the 21st century
The secrets of this ancient craft have been handed down the generations

Since 1928, when the company's first workshop was founded in Tamames, Salamanca, Luis Méndez Artesanos has been a family affair. The three Méndez brothers, Luis, Jerónimo and Raúl, comprise the third generation of goldsmiths at the helm of the workshop, bringing the same passion and drive to their craft as their father and grandfather before them. Creating filigree is an ancient and nowadays almost forgotten technique; in their hands it has been revamped and successfully led into the 21st century. Their goal is not only to create delicate, intricate and beautiful pieces of jewellery but also to promote their craftsmen's work by participating in international fairs and exhibitions, making this centuries-old craft relevant once again.

Interview

©Enrique Carrascal

©Gsus Fernandez

When did you decide to pursue this craft?: The family workshop was located in one of the rooms of our house; I used to play there as a child. Aged 12, I would go with my father to melt metal in the forge and he would let me stoke the fire. I always knew I would follow in his footsteps, and as soon as I finished school at 14 I was ready to learn.
Has there been a particularly memorable moment in your career?: My father was my mentor and my master. One day, in about 1995, he visited the workshop and while he was closely examining a pendant he said to me that he couldn't tell anymore which pieces were his and which were the ones my brothers and I had made. It still makes me proud when I think of it.
How is filigree linked to your region?: My grandparents Julia Vieira and José María Méndes moved from the north of Portugal to Spain and brought the tradition of filigree from their homeland. They then had to adapt it to the tastes of Salamanca, respecting local patterns but elevating them through the handmade process and high quality finishing.
How do you adapt a traditional craft to the 21st century?: Our works are inspired by patterns of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries from Salamanca and nearby areas, like the pear or fan shapes. However we also make pieces of jewellery that are relevant to our times, that is to say lighter and smaller, without compromising on quality or on the finishing.

Luis Méndez is a master artisan: he began his career in 1983 and he started teaching in 2010