Cerámica Hermanos Castillo Siles

Manufacture of tiles, Manufacture of other ceramic elements, Manufacture of adobe bricks, Manufacture of bricks, Manufacture of roof tiles

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ADDRESS:

Carretera de Granada km 2,5 -18179 Viznar

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DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

In Cerámica Castillo Siles they elaborate – manually – elements made of fired clay such as flooring, tiling, bricks, roof tiles and other pottery products (earthenware bowls, glazed earthenware jars, pots, etc.).

The process of manufacture starts with the extraction of clay from a quarry in Guadix. This task is carried out around three times a year. Once the clay is extracted, it is stored for it “to rot” and, after a few months of drying, it is grinded and sieved. From that moment on, the forming process begins, where the clay is kneaded with water and then given shape by using different moulds to create large tiles, bricks, small tiles and other shapes. After that, the pieces are left to air-dry for a period varying from two weeks to two months, depending on the thickness of each piece. The first firing of the piece takes place after it has been air-dried. For that purpose, they use biomass and gas kilns. If the piece is going to be glazed, then it will be fired a second time in a diesel kiln. The enamels are carried out by the brothers Castillo Siles with glass and a flux material (double silicate of lead, usually). For crockery pieces alkaline fluxes must be used.

APPRENTICESHIP

Their knowledge has been acquired thanks to the tradition running within the family. They are the fourth generation of a family dedicated to ceramics.

SELECTED WORKS

Their pieces can be found in such distinct places such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Castle of Illora, the Palace of Bibataubin, the Cathedral of Granada, the Cathedral of Málaga, the Church of San Gabriel in Loja, the Convent of San Francisco in Mulas, Murcia, and the Monument to the Cádiz Cortes, among others.