PILAR, PACO &
CRISTINE BEDFOR
The magic of Menorcan craftsmanship, unique esparto grass creations: hats, baskets,rugs, lamps, and bags.
The magic of Menorcan craftsmanship, unique esparto grass creations: hats, baskets,rugs, lamps, and bags.
Pilar and Paco live in Mahón, just two streets where Cristine Bedfor is located. Walking into their home is like stepping into Alibaba’s cave of esparto grass. Hats, baskets, rugs, shopping carts, lamps, handbags…Their creativity knows no bounds, and so does their energy and desire to keep working.
The satisfaction of a job well done is evident. Paco learned to work with esparto at the age of 13, as people in the countryside used to make their own baskets. But it wasn’t until hewas50 that, due to life circumstances, he left his job and started again with esparto, this time as a trade. They are among the very few who still do this in Menorca:“We’re the only ones with official certification.”
Pilar and Paco live in Mahón, just two streets where Cristine Bedfor is located. Walking into their home is like stepping into Alibaba’s cave of esparto grass. Hats, baskets, rugs, shopping carts, lamps, handbags…Their creativity knows no bounds, and so does their energy and desire to keep working.
The satisfaction of a job well done is evident. Paco learned to work with esparto at the age of 13, as people in the countryside used to make their own baskets. But it wasn’t until hewas50 that, due to life circumstances, he left his job and started again with esparto, this time as a trade. They are among the very few who still do this in Menorca:“We’re the only ones with official certification.”
You can see the work and effort in their hands. Paco says he’s used to it, that his hands no longer hurt, and that the raw material must be soaked to soften it, making it more pliable and less painful to handle.
You can see the work and effort in their hands. Paco says he’s used to it, that his hands no longer hurt, and that the raw material must be soaked to soften it, making it more pliable and less painful to handle.
We had a lovely time listening to Pilar and Paco’s stories and sharing in their excitement.They taught me how to braid, to make a strip and join them together—and then the magic happens. These strips, made of 9 groups braided patiently and carefully, are turned into bags, baskets, vases…thanks to the hands of these incredible artisans.
A universe of work, effort, and craftsmanship that we adore. May Pilar and Paco continue to share their magic with us for many years to come. They could upholster our entire lives in esparto if we let them.
Cristine Bedfor
We had a lovely time listening to Pilar and Paco’s stories and sharing in their excitement.They taught me how to braid, to make a strip and join them together—and then the magic happens. These strips, made of 9 groups braided patiently and carefully, are turned into bags, baskets, vases…thanks to the hands of these incredible artisans.
A universe of work, effort, and craftsmanship that we adore. May Pilar and Paco continue to share their magic with us for many years to come. They could upholster our entire lives in esparto if we let them.
Cristine Bedfor
