Lladro - A pottery Marvel
Humble Beginnings
Lladro - A pottery Marvel
The first Lladró figurines can be traced back to 1953 to a small workshop in the rural village of Almácera, Spain near Valencia. Three brothers: Juan, José and Vincente Lladró founded the company. Also the figurines that define the firm now, the brothers crafted jugs, vases and ornamental plates. A professional Training School, the Grant Centre for the City of Porcelain, was founded in 1962 to train the next generation of craftsman.
International Expansion
Starting in 1965, the firm expanded beyond Spain when North Americans traveling to Spain started to import the figurines. In 1988, the Lladró Museum and Gallery was opened in New York City and distribution to Australia began. In 1997, a Lladró Centre was opened in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive. The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas saw a Lladró Centre open in 1999. In 2000, Sydney Australia was the site of someone else stand alone Lladró Centre.
Logo Evolution
Changes to any logo are important to a assembler because they help to recognize the age of a piece. In the beginning, the Lladró brothers personally signed their names to their work. These signatures were incised. The first logo was a representation of the Greek sculpture called "Winged Samothrace". As the firm evolved and expanded internationally, the next logo was a stylized version of the bellflower, local to the region, along with an old chemical emblem and the Lladró name below it. In the 1960's, the word "Spain" was added. The marks while this time were standardized and incised. Adding the word "Spain" was precipitated by the increased role exporting was playing to the company. By the 1970's, a trademark was developed; the well-known blue stamp. In 1974, the accent over the "o" was added. In 1986, the chemical emblem and the typeface were simplified. Using this information, a assembler can look at a piece and get an idea of its age.
Building Loyalty
Early on, Lladró understood the value of cultivating loyal customers. In 1985, The Collectors society was created for customers to interact straight through events and communications from the company. At a range of events, in a estimate of countries, over 100,000 avid collectors continue to meet and share their passion. In 2001, a new level of membership was introduced - Lladró Privilege and a more exclusive Gold level. For a each year membership fee, Lladró aficionados receive updates on the most recent news from the firm and are invited to share in public and cultural events at venues nearby the world. In 2005, Lladró sponsored a team in the 32nd Americas Cup navigation regatta. Privilege Gold Members were invited to join a Vip boat, have way to the team headquarters and more behind-the-scenes perks.
Fakes
Pay attentiveness to marks. If they are not in line with the evolution of the logo, it may be a fake. Lladró figurines are known for their unique facial characteristics. It is one of the attractions to these collectibles. Authentic Lladrós do not use black to outline the eyes, brows and lids. If these areas are outlined in black, it is likely a fake. The firm also started a more modest line called Nao, which should not be confused with the Lladró line.
Most Valuable
Fewer matte glazes were produced, so they are more valuable. Very early Lladrós (1950's - 1970's) had a creamy halt and command steep prices. Early on, the firm understood the importance of creating little editions and retiring designs, which creates scarcity that increases the value. In 1982, The Sculptures series was introduced but with a very few produced again expanding their value.
Damage
Any damage reduces the value considerably. Look for damage on any of the protruding areas (hands, arms etc) or the delicate flowers.
Finishes
Lladrós are sealed with one of three finishes: a high gloss, matte glaze and "gres" finish.
Museums
The importance of Lladró craftsmanship is evident in the fact that Lladró creations are included in the permanent collections of the Brussels Royal Museum of Art and History, The Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia and the contemporary Art Museum in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Lladró Today
From the small workshop in a rural village, the firm has expanded to over 2,000 citizen working for the firm today. Fine porcelains by Lladró are sold in over 100 countries in more than 4,000 sell locations. Retired Lladrós can be found on eBay and at old shops.
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