Last week I went up to Deruta for the day from Rome. It’s actually not that far, 2 hours door to door. But I would never have even considered it if not for the fact that two of my long time clients asked me if I would go with them. Sounded like a great idea to me!
I love developing new tours, and given my passion for the subject, this one almost made itself. We had a car and driver pick up us early, in Rome, so we had the entire day to explore.
Our day included a private visit to the Ceramic Museum (more on that in the next post) a fantastic lunch, and visits to five different ceramic workshops. Of course we visited Sberna and Grazia, which I’ve written about in the past, but also Patrizio Chiucchiu, Geribi and one of my favorites, MOD.
I love MOD because besides the classic Deruta patterns, they are always working with designers to come up with new patterns. This time around I fell in love with two lines that kind of define the words bright and cheery. One, Lovebirds, is swirls of blue and green stylized leaves with the central motif of a pair of turquoise and orange birds. The other pattern, Fiorelline Alma, is just that: peach and blue blossoms on a white background scattered with leaves.
Ariana, my client, was very decisive, and immediately bought a medium sized bowl with the Lovebirds pattern. Me? I couldn’t decide between a canister which would have been perfect for biscotti, or a pitcher. Which means I’ll just have to go back soon.
Not a problem.
If you’d like to know more about my day trips to Deruta, and join me, just send me an email for the details.
And one more question: if you’re reading this post then there is a chance you like Italian ceramics. My first book, Deruta: A Tradition of Italian Ceramics has been out of print for about ten years. I’m thinking of re-issuing it as an e-book, but trying to gauge the interest. What do you think?
sounds like a good idea. Went to Deruta many years ago and couldn’t resist the Maiolica patterns… feel free to e-print I would be happy to buy it
Please publish again.
These patterns are beautiful !
I buy my pieces from Biordi, here in the States – do you know if they have access to this one ?
I would prefer to have the Deruta book in hard copy but if an ebook is the only option I would buy it in a minute !
I’m not sure if Biordi deals in their stuff. You could ask.
Yes!
Now you have really found my weak spot. I love Deruta pottery. I discovered it in my student days back in the 80’s. I don’t have much, but would not part with any of it. By all means re-publish the book and save a spot on one of your tours! I am assuming you know about it, but the last time I went our tour guide took us to the Santuario della Madonna del Bagno. I had never heard about it. Fascinating and charming.
Yes, I know and love Madonna dei Bagni!
Love this! I wanted to take a ceramics “investment” trip to Deruta and this was perfect.
Publish as a hard cover if possible. An e-book is not of interest for such a subject as Deruta.
I wish I could! To publish an illustated hardcover book takes a lot of money, and unfortunately the book is out of print and no publisher seems to want to republish it.
E-book. Now, please!
Oh my goodness such a great idea..please do. Will expand the mnid and wishes for the china cabinet. I spent 4 weeks in Italy and treasure every memory. Your blog is also a treasure. Fondly jere
love your blog…how do I find out about your trips to Italy as I live in san diego, California…thanks
Thanks! You can visit my tour page, for more information about my day-long food tours in and around Rome, and I”ll soon be adding information, and probably a new page, about my new week long trips to Italy. If you’d like to keep up to date with all the new tours, then I’d suggest you sign up for both my email updates and my newsletter. You can do this by filling in the little forms on the side bar to the right.
Hardcopies of Elizabeth’s book available at both Amazon and Alibris sites
I’m so happy I found your site. I’m thinking about renting an apartment in Rome in 2015 and will definitely get in touch with you to sign up for a few tours. Not firm on the dates but November is my first thought. What is the weather like then? I’ve been to Italy twice before, both times were in September and the weather was perfect. Love the beautiful ceramics.
November can be a bit rainy, but lovely because it starts to empty out of tourists.