Alfonso Hidalgo Góngora

The proud upholder of Úbeda ceramics

• Alfonso is the fifth generation of the Góngora family to practise ceramics
• He takes enormous pride in his craft, roots and legacy
• He specialises in turning on the potter’s wheel

When Alfonso Hidalgo Góngora speaks about his craft there is nothing but pride and happiness in his words. Pride as he represents the fifth generation of the Góngora dynasty of potters, happiness as he has successfully passed on skills, knowledge, and tradition to his son, also named Alfonso Hidalgo. Alfonso learned his craft from his maternal grandfather, and when the latter was forced to close his workshop, Alfonso taught himself and learned from other potters in his native Úbeda until he reached the age of 18. He was then able to reopen the family business. Driven by curiosity, ingenuity and passion, Alfonso carried on the tradition, fulfilling his destiny. His ceramics are inspired by his land and culture and the study of traditional shapes, making them contemporary with painting.

Interview

©Juan Manuel Molina

©Juan Manuel Molina

What skills do you have that belong to the Úbeda ceramics tradition?

Tradition plays an important role in what I do and I wish to preserve it and project it into the future. My work revolves around the potter’s wheel. I make large pieces in conventional shapes characterised by the use of engobe, fretwork and sgraffito techniques.

What about the specific connection with the territory?

Back in the day, ceramics had only a utilitarian side, and this became part of Úbeda’s identity and cultural heritage. I personally feel the need of handing it over to future generations as part of our cultural DNA.

What makes your craft so special to you?

I live for it. It is not a job, but a way of life. For me it is also a family business, as my wife and children also take pride in our work and preserve it. Being a ceramicist allows me to investigate and innovate, this is priceless.

What goes into making beautiful ceramics?

Work, effort, patience. We aim at excellence in design and decoration. All our creations must be technically well-executed while pleasing the eye at the same time. People recognise us in the street and appreciate what we do – this is extremely rewarding.

Alfonso Hidalgo Góngora is a master artisan: he began his career in 1981 and he started teaching in 2005

Works

©Juan Manuel Molina

©Juan Manuel Molina

©Juan Manuel Molina

©Juan Manuel Molina

©Juan Manuel Molina

Where