The agreement, initially for four years, will allow the council to exhibit pieces representative of local pottery, including orzas, lebrillos, plates, pots, and jugs, among other items reflecting the daily life and trades of Bailén during the 20th century.
These pieces, owned by José Luis Villarejo, will become part of the Bailén Battle Museum's collection, strengthening the exhibition area dedicated to ceramics and its historical and domestic evolution.
The incorporation of this collection is part of the Arterra project, a tourist itinerary promoted by the Spanish Association of Ceramic Cities, aiming to highlight the ceramic tradition of participating municipalities.
Mayor Luis Mariano Camacho expressed gratitude for José Luis Villarejo's generosity, emphasizing that the pieces hold not only historical and artistic value but also speak to the identity and customs of Bailén.
Camacho highlighted that the collection will add content and appeal to the museum, establishing it as a reference for Bailén's pottery tradition. He noted that a resident's donation of heritage is a very generous gesture for its preservation and enjoyment.
The mayor stressed the importance of continuing efforts to recover and promote local ceramic tradition, leveraging initiatives like the Arterra project to enhance it as a cultural and tourist resource.
The collection features pieces dating from the early 20th century to the 1970s, showcasing the evolution of ceramic production. Notable items include decorated orzas and lebrillos, bridal bread bins, cheese dishes, punch bowls, and containers for domestic tasks and trades, such as small jugs and oil cruets.
These pieces constitute a valuable material testament to the traditional culture of Bailén and the significance of pottery in the town's domestic and economic life.
