Cerámicas Gallardo

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

They manufacture traditional construction elements, both to replace other deteriorated ones as for newly-built works. The process of elaboration starts with the extraction of clay from the quarry or muddy grounds, which is chosen by the expert hands of the potter. Once at the potter’s workshop, it is mixed with water, creating a homogeneous and thick mass which is then sieved to eliminate the impurities. The clay is then left to settle in large basins, and by decanting it, the extra water is extracted.After some time, they start to work with this mixture, taking small quantities of it, pasándolas al tendal, which consists of covering them in liquid mud in order to allow the underlaying material to absorb its humidity.The mixture is kneaded in a firm and constant way until they obtain a homogeneous and compact mass: this is the first time the potter has direct contact with the clay.When this process of kneading is finished, then the material goes on to the wheel or to be modelled. From this moment on, only expert hands are able to give life to this muddy material. The process comes to an end in the kiln, where the potter still has one last chance – playing with the temperature at which he fires the piece – to obtain different finishes.