A Postcard from Manises. Discovering Arcadi Blasco

During my recent holiday in Spain, I had planned a visit to the Museu de Ceràmica de Manises. Tucked away in a modest little town near Valencia, the museum turned out to be a real hidden gem – especially for someone like me who’s passionate about ceramics. I walked in full of motivation and curiosity, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

The museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century building and showcases over 5,000 pieces of ceramic art. From richly painted tiles to delicate bowls and jugs, the collection spans from the 14th century to today. I’ve always loved watching the journey of ceramics - from raw clay through firing to the final painted details. My daughter and I also learned a few interesting facts about traditional kilns and how generations of women once worked in ceramic workshops in this region. These stories truly moved me.

But the biggest surprise and the most powerful inspiration came when I discovered the work of Arcadi Blasco Pastor. I had never heard of him before, and his art struck me instantly. A self-taught artist, Blasco created bold, sculptural ceramic forms, raw, textured, and remarkably modern in spirit. If he were creating today, I’m sure he’d be right at home in the world of contemporary ceramics.

As always, I left the museum dreamy, inspired, and full of new ideas. What can I say... I love uncovering old techniques, timeless patterns, and ceramic traditions that still make sense and speak to us, even centuries later.

A.H

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