From Granada, the last stronghold of Moorish civilization in Spain, we are proud to introduce you to the beautiful traditional ceramics that have been created in Manuel's studio over the past 35 years, a studio in which his sons are also deeply involved. Manuel's studio is very well known throughout Andalucia, especially for the quality and extensive range of his production, which includes a variety of 'peasant' potteries and traditional designs from throughout the region over the past few centuries. This massive kiln, pictured to the right, was operated weekly in the past, but now, with the growth of mass-produced, machine-made ceramics, the kiln is operated only every other month, although production remains strong in his other two large kilns.

The workshop is a large, brightly lit building bulging at the seams with ceramics in all stages of production, from the clay mixers, wheels and kilns of the initial production to 'bisque' pieces ready for glazing, from stacks of pots awaiting the painters' brushes to finished products gleaming on their shelves. Indeed, this is a studio full of robust energy, full of creativity at every stage and full of a dedication to carrying on an ancient tradition in this great city of Granada which, although it clearly carries the stamp of the Moors' occupation, also represents the melting pot of all the old civilisations that make up southern Spain.

If one were to look for those ceramics which are the most representative of the rich heritage of Granada, those distinctive ceramics which really set this region apart from the rest of Andalucia, one would only need to visit Manuel's studio. They are all here, the ceramics from the Moroccan tradition of Fez and Marrakech, to the traditional designs in vigorous production long before the Moors arrived in Spain, to the beautiful, bright colours and designs of Granada in the 17th and 18th centuries.

We have selected several collections from Manuel's varied repertoire: the glorious, bright geometric patterns of our 'Fez' collection; the intricate, delicate incising of our 'Sgraffito' collection; the rich Arabic traditions, melding ceramics and metal work, found in our 'Moroccan Metallic' collection; the open basketwork and detailed carving of our 'Fretwork' collection; the cheerful, bright floral designs of our 'Granada' collection; as well as assorted pieces we just couldn't resist. We hope you like them.