History of Lladro

In 1953 Juan, José and Vicente Lladró make their first creations inspired by an experimental vocation in a Moorish furnace built in their own home in Almàssera (Valencia). In this way, they develop their artistic interest as they work in a tile and crockery factory. These carefully designed pieces already have a special charm that awakens public interest.

The 1960’s are marked by a growing impetus for Lladró, as a result of two major facts. One of them is the progressive internationalization of their porcelain which begins when a group of Americans discover the brothers’ creations on a trip to Valencia looking for new products to import into their country. The first sculpture they see, a small shepherdess, already provided with the typical traits of the brand, captivates the visitors from the very first moment.

In this period, the word "Spain" is incorporated to Lladró’s logo as a clear indicator of the company’s exporting vocation. In 1965, Lladró exports part of its production to Canada and begins to be introduced into the United States, where the brothers travel for the first time in 1969.

The 1970’s are marked by Lladró’s consolidation in the American market. The logotype changes due to a desire to establish an association between science and art, the basis of creation in porcelain, as a result of the union between an ancient chemical symbol and the stylised version of a “campanillo”, a typical bell-shaped flower of the area where Lladró was born. The surname of the founders is printed under this image.

 

In the 1980’s the Lladró brothers open their company’s doors to the future and invite three of their children into the Board of Directors. Thus begins the transition of the artistic and human legacy of the company to its heirs. Rosa, Mamen and Juan Vicente Lladró undergo long apprenticeships before assuming responsibility in the company, including the tasks of the creativity committee.

The 1990’s confirm the success of the artistic and professional career of the Lladró brothers, with their works receiving important awards and being exhibited in several cities throughout the world. In this ten year period, Lladró receives the most important acknowledgments to its professional career: the Príncipe Felipe award for Internationalization (1993), for Competitiveness (1997) and for Renown Brand Management (2001), three awards given to the Lladró brothers by the Prince of Asturias and which represent a milestone for the company.

Lladró welcomes the new millennium with the collection
“Inspiration Millennium”, a series of metaphorical sculptures
that evoke the best of humanity and invite us to reflect on
our place in the universe.