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Paco Luis & Florencia: Woodworking
Woodworker Francisco Luis Martos Sánchez based in the Spain & Uruguayan fellow Florencia Iracema Olivera Mutuberria
Paco Luis specialises in the creation of Mudejar coffered ceilings, a historical form of carpentry which consists of creating wooden panels with intricate ornaments. He works with the same know-how used more than a 1000 years ago. The craftsman creates exclusive pieces and seeks to preserve this ancient art in Spain and beyond its borders.
Florencia was born in Uruguay but has lived half of her life in Segovia and is passionate about traditional architecture and its elements. She started studying fashion design and industrial design at Segovia School of Art but soon feel in love with traditional materials so switched to restoration.
Window to a Golden Forest
This wooden foldable screen was made using traditional gilding and polychrome techniques. The floral decoration is inspired by French designer Armand-Albert Rateau, known for creating opulent bathroom designs in the interwar period. First, Francisco and Florencia plastered the wood with lime sulphate and rabbit glue, then applied Armenian bole (a clay commonly used as a gilding base) to prepare the surface. Next, the wood was gilded using burnished gold leaf with agate stone to bring out the shine. Finally, the pair applied a layer of egg tempera, before decorating with estofado techniques.
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