The famous Galician ceramic brand named Sargadelos was created during the early years of the 19th century by Antonio Raimundo Ibáñez. His idea of creating this ceramic company was seen as an enlightened initiative. Maybe one of the few taking place in our region at that time as well as one of the most long-lasting business in Galicia.
Its owner was born in Los Oscos (Asturias) in 1749 and he is recognized today as a relevant figure in the early industrialization of Galicia. His adventurer and entrepreneurial spirit led him to the creation of the Royal Maritime Company in 1788. Among the trade routes he exploited at that time, we can highlight the ones between Ribadeo and Cadiz with the cities located in the Baltic Sea.
His friendship with Godoy, the prime minister of Carlos VI, was a key in the opening of Sargadelos in 1799. He oversaw the creation ammunition for the Spanish state as well as pipes, chains, hydraulic wheels, kitchen implements and other tools that were used in the 18th century Spain. Despite their main business at that time was based on ironwork constructions, they also produced a series of beautiful sculptures, public fountains, and decorative balustrades. And it may be thanks to these artistic and architectural elements where its success resides. A success that makes each of its pieces timeless and kept as a treasure by countless Galicians.
Another beautiful and magical memories left behind by Antonio Raimundo Ibáñez was the Lovers Walk or, as we know it in Galicia, Paseo dos Namorados located in the Natural Park of Sargadelos. This walk only covers one kilometre (go and return) and it skirts the factory’s old water supply. Now, you might be wondering about the name of this walk… and the truth is that there is a legend connected to it… Apparently, if two people walk this path without being in love, on their way back they would be.
Of course, there aren’t any scientific records that could verify it. But, what we can ensure is that the place is so beautiful and gives off so much magic, that it is not difficult to imagine a couple visiting in on a first date and falling in love forever.
However, what many people still don’t know is that, the aesthetics of Sargadelos we know today, was once reinvented by Isaac Díaz Pardo (Santiago de Compostela, 1920 – La Coruña, 2012). After studying in the School of Fine Arts located in Madrid with a scholarship, he returned to Galicia where he opens the factory named O Castro. However, his artistic concerns made him travel to Argentina. There he had the opportunity to meet the Galician intellectuals who had traveled to Argentina before him. Among them, he met again with Luís Seoane. With him, they create the Laboratorio de Formas (1968) inspired by their experiences in Bauhaus, the first non-profit institution created to recover the Galician Culture that was once lost. One of these actions was to continue with the industrial activity of Sargadelos at the same time he also decided to innovate with the colours: cobalt blue and deep reed, today the iconic colors of the brand.
“Everything made by human kind, is culture”
Isaac Díaz Pardo
