Silversmithing in Andalucia, Spain
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The Spanish Catholic Church and its brotherhoods have
commissioned and preserved silver altars, candlesticks, lamps, statues, retables, floats,
and other religious items for centuries. Thanks to their continued support,
silversmithing is still an important art in and around Seville. |
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Book holder, frame, and altar,
Monastery of the Incarnation Museum of Sacred Art, Osuna
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Vase and Candle Holders on Float, La
Macarena, Seville |
Vase and Candle Holders on Float, Seville |
17th Century Silver Monstrance Float in the Cadiz Cathedral |
A quick look at three studios shows the talent,
work, and dedication of these silversmiths!
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Francisco (Paco) Villarreal Reina directs Ofebrería
Villarreal, the largest silversmithing studio in the area, located next
to Seville, in Camas. Their web
page provides the company history and contact information. You may email
Paco or call (in Spanish) at 954 391 079. Villarreal specializes
in solid silver and plated religious pieces. |
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Gold plated light
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After Paco's design has been approved
by the client, it will be used to guide the craftsmen.
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The metal is stamped, raised with
hammers, or spun on a lathe to form the basic shape. Several pieces are
soldered together to fabricate complicated pieces.
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A clay wing serves as a three
dimensional model. Next to the maquette is the back of a silver wing. The complicated pelican that
is waiting for its wings is
composed of several parts.
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Paper pattern and chased silver |
Chisels are used to chase the front of
the wing along pencil lines from a paper pattern.
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Ramón León Peñuelas Silversmithing is run by a father - son team that share the same name
and a love for silversmithing. An assistant has learned that a helping hand
often works better than a vice to hold a delicate piece! |
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Orfebre Ramón León Peñuelas
is located at 69 Calle Alfareria, Triana,
41010 Seville, Tel: 954 339 939. |
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The metal armature on the right will support a silver
structure like the one next to it.
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Ofebreria Triana is located at 66 Calle Pureza,
Triana,
41010 Seville, Tel: 954 273 765.
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LINKS:
Blacksmithing in Andalucia, Spain
Marquetry of Granada, Spain
Ceramics of Seville, Spain
Sculpture of Seville, Spain
Ceramics of Ubeda, Spain
Tiles and Ceramics of Talavera de la Reina, Spain
Monje Ceramics of Lora del Rio, Spain
Betancourt Icons of Guanajuato, Mexico
Silver Jewelry of Francisco Garcia Guevara of Guanajuato, Mexico
Tinsmithing in Guanajuato, Mexico
Haida Silversmith, Dave Hunter
Polish Icons by Dr. Miroslaw Mrozowski
Metal Casting in Foumban, Cameroon, Africa
Filigree in Java, Indonesia
The Kris in Java and Bali, Indonesia
Web page, photographs, and text by Carol Ventura in 2005. Please look at
Carol's home page
to see more about crafts around the world.
