Maria José Ángeles Espinar

Embroiderer

Preserving a Spanish tradition

María José is the third generation at the helm of the family workshop
She is on an 'endless quest for excellence'
She is committed to the preservation and promotion of her craft

In his novel Fortunata y Jacinta, 19th century Spanish author Benito Pérez Galdós mentions the mantón, or Manila shawl, as being both aristocratic and popular. This traditional garment is rooted in history, since embroidered items like these were brought to Spain from China via the overseas colonies through the Ruta de Oriente. The craft of making and embroidering these shawls flourished in Seville over the years. María José Sánchez Espinar inherited from her mother not only the skill, but also the passion for embroidering and devising exclusive designs. Family and tradition are the starting point of María José's mission to preserve how embroidery was made in the past, without bowing to commercial pressures or losing identity and creativity.

Interview

Where do you draw inspiration from?: The tradition of the mantón goes back centuries, with patterns being mostly floral. I can't make one without referring to tradition, however when I devise the pattern that will be embroidered I am also inspired by nature in all its colours, and the flowers on our patios.
What does it mean to you to continue a family tradition?: There is a great sense of responsibility. I now look after the workshop – my mother still comes to supervise and give advice, but no longer embroiders. We train apprentices but it becomes harder every day to preserve the tradition while innovating.
What might people not realise about your work?: The great effort it takes to hand embroider. The process is painstaking, it requires skill, patience, passion and of course long hours of dedication. We dye our colours and you will never find two alike. The fringes are braided manually.
Has there been a memorable moment in your career?: In 2007 the Ángeles Espinar workshop was honoured with the gold medal for merit in Bellas Artes (fine art). This award acknowledged our efforts in preserving the tradition of our craft and the then Prince of Asturias (now King of Spain) presented it to my mother.

Maria José Ángeles Espinar is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1978