Lladró is a Spanish company based in Tavernes Blanques, Valencia that produces high quality porcelain figures. The Hemispheric at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències by Santiago Calatrava, Valencia, Spain. ... A rare Dresden porcelain figurine Porcelain is a type of hard semi-translucent ceramic generally fired at a higher temperature than glazed earthenware, or stoneware pottery. ...

History

Lladró figurine called "En sus pensamientos"

The company was founded in 1953 by three brothers, Juan, José and Vicente Lladró, in the village of Almácera near Valencia. Starting with items such as vases and jugs, it wasn't until 1956 that they started producing the scupltures for which they are now most famous. Enthusiasm for the items produced by the Lladró brothers saw their small workshop expand several times until eventually they moved to Tavernes Blanques in 1958. 1953 is a common year starting on Thursday. ... 1956 was a leap year starting on Sunday. ... 1958 was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ...

• 1962, the brothers open the Professional Training School at their site in Tavernes Blanques to share their knowledge and experience. It still operates today keeping alive the vision and philosophy of the brothers by imparting it to a new generation.

• 1969, on October 13, the City of Porcelain is opened by the Spanish Minister for Industry. It took 2 years to build and was designed to provide the best environment that encourages the artistic development of works produced. Currently over 2000 people work here.

• 1970, Lladró begins to use a new material, gres, for its sculptures. It has earthy colours and is used frequently in natural themes.

• 1973, Lladró buys 50% the North American company Weil Ceramics & Glass.

• 1974, the first blue emblem, consisting of a bellflower and ancient chemical symbol, appears on the base to show the origin of the sculpture. The Elite Collection is also launched.

• 1984, Rosa, Mari Carmen and Juan Vicente Lladró joined the company. One child of each of the founding members. They underwent a long apprenticeship before they were permitted responsibility in the company.

• 1985, the Collector's Society is formed. The first annual sculpture, called "Little Pals", can fetch several thousand dollars at auction due to the small number of members able to purchase it in the early years.

• 1986, Lladró forms an alliance with the Mitsui Group creating a subsidiary called Bussan Lladró based in Tokyo

• 1988, on September 18 in New York the Lladró Museum and Gallery is opened on 57th Street in Manhattan.

• 1993, Lladró receives the Principe Felipe award for internationalisation.

• 2001, Lladró Privilege, a new customer loyalty programme, takes over from the Lladró Collectors Society.

1962 was a common year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1969 was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1969 calendar). ... October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years). ... 1970 was a common year starting on Thursday. ... 1973 was a common year starting on Monday. ... 1974 is a common year starting on Tuesday (click on link for calendar). ... 1984 is a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1985 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1986 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Long a symbol of Tokyo, the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace. ... 1988 is a leap year starting on a Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... September 18 is the 261st day of the year (262nd in leap years). ... State nickname: Empire State Other U.S. States Capital Albany Largest city New York Governor George Pataki Official languages None Area 141,205 km² (27th)  - Land 122,409 km²  - Water 18,795 km² (13. ... Manhattan is an island bordering the lower Hudson River. ... 1993 is a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... 2001 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Marketing

Lladró figurines are given an additional title in English as well as the Spanish original, however these names are frequently not translations (figurative or literal) but new names that are more likely to appeal to an English speaking audience. A further area for confusion is that the names of the pieces can change throughout their run so the same figurine can often end up with several titles. The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ...

External link

• Lladró web site (http://www.lladro.com/index.html)