Despite being established for over 30 years, we still cannot help but find true inspiration on our travels. It is a passion that is deep in our DNA. Our Marketing Manager, Molly, recently jetted off to Seville for a break in the Andalucian city of Seville. The weather did not disappoint, neither did the magnificent architecture and interiors she discovered there.
EXPLORING PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
First stop for Molly was the incredible Plaza de España in the Parque de María Luisa.
Created in the 1920s for the Spanish expo by Aníbal González, it is a breathtakingly beautiful mix of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Neo-Moorish styles of Spanish architecture.
Flanked by towers at either end of this vast building, has a semi-circular canal with erupting fountains which is why it is known as the “Venice of Seville.”
The four colourful tiled bridges with columns spanning the canal represent the ancient Kingdoms of Spain: Castile, Aragon, Navarre and Portugal.
SPAIN RENDERED IN TILES
The Plaza de España reimagines the regions of Spain in the medium of intricate tiles. This was an immediate and obvious fascination for an envoy from the leading tile specialist.
Each of the Plaza’s 48 individually tiled “Alcoves of the Provinces” features a colourful mural of as particular province of Spain from Almeria to Zamora. Many of the patterned tiles and mosaics found at the Plaza de España have strong symbolic Moorish influences and mix perfectly with earthy terracotta tiles.
The vibrant colours and patterns reminded us of our decorative Maiolica Blue porcelain tiles inspired by the works of Moorish artisans and also our Antica collection
SPAIN RENDERED IN TILES
The Plaza de España reimagines the regions of Spain in the medium of intricate tiles. This was an immediate and obvious fascination for an envoy from the leading tile specialist.
Each of the Plaza’s 48 individually tiled “Alcoves of the Provinces” features a colourful mural of as particular province of Spain from Almeria to Zamora. Many of the patterned tiles and mosaics found at the Plaza de España have strong symbolic Moorish influences and mix perfectly with earthy terracotta tiles.
The vibrant colours and patterns reminded us of our decorative Maiolica Blue porcelain tiles inspired by the works of Moorish artisans and also our Antica collection
PALATIAL ALCÁZAR OF SEVILLE
In search of more inspiration, Molly then headed North, through the peaceful Jardines del Prado de San Sebastián to the Alcázar of Seville.
Construction of this historic royal palace began in the 10th century and it was built on the former Islamic-era citadel of the city, which explains its Moorish design, reminiscent of the famous Alhambra in Granada.
Shop our Spanish Terracotta collection
TILE HEAVEN
The Alcázar of Seville comprises of seemingly endless tiled corridors, ornately decorated surfaces, leading to covered courtyards and sun-drenched gardens.
Molly spied some fabulous terracotta herringbone floors which immediately brought to mind tiles from our Terracotta Collection and rare historic floors from our Reclaimed Collection.
Whilst perfectly accustomed to the warmer climes of Spain, terracotta isn’t suitable where frost might crack it. Molly sums the palace up perfectly. “It’s utterly vast and there are vibrant colours and astonishingly beautiful details everywhere – it is quite simply tile heaven.”
Shop our Reclaimed Collection
TILE HEAVEN
The Alcázar of Seville comprises of seemingly endless tiled corridors, ornately decorated surfaces, leading to covered courtyards and sun-drenched gardens.
Molly spied some fabulous terracotta herringbone floors which immediately brought to mind tiles from our Terracotta Collection and rare historic floors from our Reclaimed Collection.
Whilst perfectly accustomed to the warmer climes of Spain, terracotta isn’t suitable where frost might crack it. Molly sums the palace up perfectly. “It’s utterly vast and there are vibrant colours and astonishingly beautiful details everywhere – it is quite simply tile heaven.”
Shop our Reclaimed Collection
GORGEOUS GEOMETRIC DESIGN
There is a huge courtyard surrounded by cloisters at the Alcázar of Seville.
Patio de la Montería, also known as the “Courtyard of the Hunt”, also features another historic tiled floor, one with a large bold geometric pattern made with contrasting tiles.
HISTORIC HERRINGBONE
At one of the many entrances amongst the wonderfully arched and ornate cloisters, Molly’s eyes were drawn to a herringbone stone floor.
She was convinced that our Bordeaux Blue Herringbone limestone tiles with their tumbled finish, would be the perfect colour-match to these. We think she may be right.
HISTORIC HERRINGBONE
At one of the many entrances amongst the wonderfully arched and ornate cloisters, Molly’s eyes were drawn to a herringbone stone floor.
She was convinced that our Bordeaux Blue Herringbone limestone tiles with their tumbled finish, would be the perfect colour-match to these. We think she may be right.
MARVELOUS MONOCHROME MARBLE
The award-winning Lapicida showroom in Harrogate is often referred to as a cathedral of stone.
However, upon entering the Catedral de Sevilla – the oldest example of gothic architecture in the world – Molly was taken aback not only by the cathedral’s iconic Moorish bell tower but by its striking monochrome marble floors.
The first she encountered was virtually identical to our Venetian Chequer marble which has an antique reclaimed look.
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ANCIENT ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS
Blending both Gothic and Moorish styles of architecture, the cathedral was built on the original Mosque.
Of her many decorative discoveries, Molly’s last was a dramatic ancient black and white geometric patterned marble floor which added an air of cool classical grandeur to the cathedral.
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS
Blending both Gothic and Moorish styles of architecture, the cathedral was built on the original Mosque.
Of her many decorative discoveries, Molly’s last was a dramatic ancient black and white geometric patterned marble floor which added an air of cool classical grandeur to the cathedral.
BRINGING INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION HOME
This is just one of many of our team’s experiences which adds to the wealth of design knowledge we use to shape our stone and tile collections. If you would like some interiors inspiration, please feel free to call into our award-winning Harrogate showroom. Alternatively, call 01423 400 100, email our sales team to make an appointment.
