Andreu Batllori
Potter (1937) Barcelona

If you're visiting Barcelona's Sants neighborhood, you have to stop by Carrer Cros. Among the cafes and shops, a small window stands out, as if from another era. If you look closely, you'll see the handmade wooden inlay, and through the glass, you might discover Señor Andréu surrounded by clay figurines and colorful ceramics. Upon entering, you'll hear the jingle of a bell and the potter's friendly welcome. This is where the magic that the Batllori family has performed for centuries takes place: transforming clay (earth and water) into something solid. Casa Batllori was founded in 1792. Andreu's grandfather worked outdoors, on an undeveloped lot surrounded by farmhouses and fields before Carrer Cros existed. Drying was done in the sun, and mud pools occupied a large area. This house of ceramists has stood the test of time almost unchanged, but changing habits have greatly reduced demand. "Before plastic, everything was made with clay," says Andreu. He now has the honor of running this legendary establishment, the oldest kiln in Barcelona. He fires all kinds of pieces. It's said among sculptors and ceramists that Señor Batllori is the best at it. Andreu knows clay like no one else; he knows how to turn, shape, fire, and decorate it. He learned this from his ancestors and from a lifetime of hands-on experience in the clay.