CERAMIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS
Discovering Umbria collaborates with the most important ceramic factory in Deruta: “Ubaldo Grazia Maioliche”.
We offer 1 day to 5 days ceramic painting courses held by expert English speaking “Maestri Ceramisti”
BOOK YOUR WORKSHOP!
The workshops run all year round (except on Italian National holidays) and they are available starting from just 1 participant, to small groups of 12-14 people.
Discounts and offers 10% discount if you stay in one of our accommodation in Todi.
Quotation is calculated on the number of participants and Season (low/high): please contact us for prices and availability
Ubaldo Grazia’s factory workshop :
One of the oldest factories in the world, the Grazia firm has been under the same family direction for over 500 years consecutively. The entire production cycle takes place at their factory in Deruta, from the refining of the rough clay derived from local quarries, through to the creation of the objects, their decoration, two firings and quality control to produce the final product, which distinguishes this majolica factory from many others in the area. The method of production at Grazia has been modified very little over the years & the same can be said for the building itself which has remained untouched since the beginning of the XX century, when Ubaldo Grazia, grandfather of the present homonymous owner, moved from the centre of the still existing old hill town down to flatter land. At the time the factory required more space to stock goods commissioned by the United States with whom they had established a profitable business.
Over such a long period the Grazia family has been able to greatly amplify their range of patterns that can be reproduced on tableware to exalt any dish you may decide to serve on them, or on ornamental pieces to render any type of room more beautiful.
The huge well-stocked showroom, the private factory museum, the possibility of experiencing the entire work process with direct contact with artisans & painters, make it one of the most frequented & appreciated places by both Italian & foreign tourists on visit to Umbria.
The Maestri Ceramisti :
Luana Fringuelli has always had a natural inclination for human studies & foreign languages. After having attended ‘Liceo Classico’ in Todi & the faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature at the University of Perugia, she then attended a course for tour guides in Todi. Following this she spent some time in the restaurant trade before her arrival at the Grazia majolica factory in Deruta. Here many aspects of interest to her come together, from direct contact with people to the possibility of using the English language and the pleasure to be able to learn all about the beautiful Grazia creations.
After having spent some years in Bergamo, a town in the north of Italy, Riccardo Muti now lives in his hometown, Todi. Riccardo first came into contact with the world of ceramics during a course held by Prof. Igino Ficola, and later developed his interest at Giampaolo Margaritelli’s laboratory in Deruta, where he studied how to paint classical designs. Riccardo began his career in 2005 at the Grazia majolica factory when he undertook a successful period of work experience only to return a month later as apprentice painter. . He then began a specialization with the world famous master Romano Ranieri where he studied above all light and shade technique on human subjects. Proud to work at the oldest majolica factory in the world, Riccardo continues to study to improve his technique and perfect the styles.