Lorenzo & Juan Manuel Pérez Vinagre

Terracota Mérida

Ceramicist

The ceramic brothers

Lorenzo and Juan represent the third generation of potters in their family
They create tableware for chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers
They were finalists in the Spanish National Craft Awards

For as long as they can remember, brothers Lorenzo and Juan Manuel Pérez Vinagre have filled their hands with clay and been devoted to the craft. They learned pottery from their grandfather, Lorenzo Vinagre Bermejo. Later, after training in the family workshop, they studied the craft more professionally. Today, Lorenzo is one of the most renowned master artisans in Extremadura, a technician in plastic arts and ceramics from the Escuela Superior de Artes y Oficios de Mérida. Juan also studied ceramics at the same institution and later followed a master’s degree for craft designers at Escuela de Organización Industrial (EOI). In 1989 they launched their first atelier and ten years later, following its success, they turned it into their current brand, Terracota Mérida. They continue to produce archaeological and contemporary pieces, convinced that they contribute to redefining the past, present and future of ceramics.

Interview

How does your craft relate to Extremadura?: Lorenzo: We were born in Extremadura and learned our craft in this region. Our beginnings are based on its artisan essence. Most of our suppliers are local and our shop is in the tourist centre of Mérida. We have given a brand to our city for over 30 years.
What are your skills?: Juan: Our expertise lies in our constant evolution, both formative and creative. Design also plays a significant role in our work. At Terracota Mérida, we combine all our craft skills. We use all the fundamental techniques of pottery in artisan production, training in design, and innovation in marketing.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: Lorenzo: We want to contribute to the continuous redesign of history, based on our solid craftsmanship and the artisanal tradition of our grandparents. We fully develop our collections, from their design, manufacture and testing to their distribution and sale. The new technologies that we apply mean that innovation is always present.
What would be your advice to an aspiring ceramicist?: Juan: Young artisans must take the time they need to advance their learning. They should work on what they like the most, never lose their enthusiasm and ally with the right partners. Now, more than ever, listen and visualise what is happening in the world. The fusion of tradition, design and innovation is a good recipe for growth.

Lorenzo & Juan Manuel Pérez Vinagre are master artisans: they began their career in 1989 and they started teaching in 1996