Porcelanas Bidasoa in Gordailua

The first pieces were received in lieu of payment of a tax debt from the company Lusitana Española de Porcelanas in 1994. This was an important batch of artistic pieces, accompanied by an industrially produced batch, which was expanded in 1994.

In 2011, faced with the imminent demolition of the factory, we gathered together the material of interest: pieces, moulds, tools, documentation, machinery, etc. This collection was also put together with purchases and donations.

The evolution of the company marked the development of its production, which can be split into five periods. All of these had a specific logo, which, with some variables, makes their pieces unmistakable. The company was internationally recognised throughout its life, as evidenced by the number and prestige of its customers, as well as the acknowledgements and awards it received.

Porcelain for tableware or ornamental objects bears the signature of many artists who collaborated with the company.

Porcelanas Bidasoa had a wide variety of machines used to perform the different operations involved in making porcelain.

The picture shows a bench with seven work stations from the moulding section of the factory. It was used for turning the moulds or pieces in plaster or clay.

The machine on the right repeated the process once the required adjustments had been set. This system was used until the development of isostatic (hydraulic) presses.

Hand-operated machine for making prototypes of new cups and sauce boats. To the right, a kiln used in the artistic section (hand-painted pieces).

The laboratory was one of the most important facilities in the porcelain-making process. Here tests were carried out on the components of the porcelain to determine strength and texture. Different blends of materials were made from the clay.

They also performed the colour tests shown here (plates of underglazed colour samples).

The fourth period at the factory (1972-1986), was marked by innovation in the design of the pieces (e.g. Bidasoa 80) and the decorative techniques used. However, the firm did not give up its classic line, creating examples of fine technique and great beauty. One example is the recreation of the Carlos IV model.

The artist Concha Laca worked at Porcelanas Bidasoa from 1952 until 1984.

As a result of her great creative flair and technical mastery, Laca was put in charge of making all kinds of decorative figures which she designed and hand-painted herself.

In addition to her usual work, from 1955 she began to create flowers of extraordinary delicacy, like those shown in the picture. With help from two operators, C. Laca was in charge of the whole process of design, manufacture and decoration of the pieces.

The series of especially delicate flowers was not sold commercially, they were given as prestigious gifts by the company. In 1995 the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa awarded her the title of Honoured Craftsperson of Gipuzkoa.

The marketing of its pieces required stamps to mark them with a seal and identify them, among a number of other materials. The stamps also have a place at Gordailua.

Porcelanas Bidasoa, the last of the Basque porcelain companies in operation, a model of excellence, closed its doors and was abandoned in 2011. Not long after, the factory was demolished.