TALAVERA POTTERY FROM PUEBLA


In Puebla we walked about 4 long blocks in the morning to the Talavera Factory in Casa Uriart. The Uriart family started making pottery in 1824 and has operated here since. We had a private tour Given by an English speaking guide.
We were shown and explained the stages a piece goes through. All of the clay materials and the pigments come from the Puebla area with one exception and that is the cobalt blue which comes from Africa.



t;/ We saw the colors being made in very large mixing bowls.  Really big.  Saw the cobalt blue in the form it comes and how the crush it and make the paint.  She explained that even the smallest item made has to have the logo and Talavera date etc.  One woman does this writing on the bottom of all of the pieces all day.  The brushes are made from mule hair.  We saw potters making lids for large and medium sized jars.  The oven from 1824 is there but they have a modern one now.  We saw the glazing, drying, smoothing and painting.  Then we saw their inventory of stock.  It was a grand tour and I loved it.  Pete took fantastic shots which I hope to include someday.

We also visited another museum but didn't stay long.  By the time we sat down for coffee, we had been walking for about 3 hours. 

Then we sat in the zocalo for a while and watched the children and the pigeons.  We filled our pockets once again with pesos in preparation for leaving tomorrow. 

Fortin de las Flores is next on the schedule.