On our way to Orvieto, our group stopped in Deruta to tour a family-owned ceramics factory, Ceramiche Artistiche Gialletti Giulio Snc. They opened on a Sunday just for our group. This company, founded in 1959, follows the classic styles of Deruta pottery, with the majolica style dating back to the Renaissance. They also create new designs and patterns.
The owner Carlo and his daughter Rachele walked us through the process of creating their ceramics, from forming the clay, to firing and glazing, to stenciling and painting. We so appreciated that the family gave up their Sunday morning to show us around and to share their passion for ceramics.
The owner Carlo and his daughter Rachele walked us through the process of creating their ceramics, from forming the clay, to firing and glazing, to stenciling and painting. We so appreciated that the family gave up their Sunday morning to show us around and to share their passion for ceramics.
Shaping a bowl on the wheel
Carlo and Rachele demonstrate the process of glazing after firing.
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Shaping a vase on the wheel. Right after he finished, he split it in half to show how even he got the walls!
These pieces are glazed and are in the process of being decorated. The number of pieces in progress throughout the factory was astounding.
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Our visit included some extensive retail therapy by group members at the end of the tour. Unfortunately, I neglected to take photos of completed pottery. The above images were borrowed from listings of Ceramiche Artistiche Gialletti Giulio pieces for sale at Etsy. A few days after I gathered the above photos, only the gorgeous glazed Ceramic Trinket Pod Ceramich (at the far right) was still available for sale.
Everything they produce is lovely. It was hard not to want to bring home many items. But, carry-on only and Ryan Air weight limits dictated how much we could consider buying. Our credit card bill thanked us for our restraint! I found out on the bus we could have had purchases shipped. Oh well. Guess we will have to go back!
Everything they produce is lovely. It was hard not to want to bring home many items. But, carry-on only and Ryan Air weight limits dictated how much we could consider buying. Our credit card bill thanked us for our restraint! I found out on the bus we could have had purchases shipped. Oh well. Guess we will have to go back!
Welcome Itinerary Padova Vicenza Ravenna Montefalco Assisi San Pietro a Pettine Orvieto
Civita di Bagnoregio Chianciano Terme Tuscany Siena San Gimignano Florence American Cemetery
Lucca Carrara Cinque Terre/Levanto Orta San Guilio
How far did we walk? FAQ Tips for Italian Travel Gelato Arrivederci
Civita di Bagnoregio Chianciano Terme Tuscany Siena San Gimignano Florence American Cemetery
Lucca Carrara Cinque Terre/Levanto Orta San Guilio
How far did we walk? FAQ Tips for Italian Travel Gelato Arrivederci