Collectibles Rants and Packrat Dreams

Abreu Tours is offering an exclusive package to Spain, with a private tour of one of Europe’s most famous porcelain companies. Lladró (the Spanish company that makes handcrafted porcelain figurines) has sponsored an exclusive program to Madrid & Valencia, including a trip to their factory outside of Valencia.

This nine day, eight night Lladró Discovery Package includes guiding, four nights in Spain’s vibrant capital of Madrid and four nights in the seaside city of Valencia. This is a one-time opportunity for 2007. More details on Abreu’s web site: Discover Spain with Lladró - Madrid and Valencia special.
(Trip starts in Madrid on Oct 13/2007).

Participants will be shown the best of Spain, with private tours of some of Spain’s most famed monuments. The highlight will be a special tour of the Lladró factory, founded in 1953 by the three brothers, Juan, José and Vicente. There will be an authentic paella luncheon hosted by Lladró.

In 1956 the Lladró Company started producing the fine porcelain statuettes which they are now famous for. And, close to the site of their first workshop outside of Valencia is the factory, called “The City of Porcelain.” More than two thousand people work there, and their creations are exported to more than 100 countries all around the world and sold in almost 4,000 store across the globe.

Space is limited, and prices start at $2,179 per person, double occupancy (Single Supplement: add $683). For more information, go to www.abreu-tours.com or call 1-800-223-1580.

Lladró presented two of its most recent introductions at colette, the world famous store in Paris regarded as a touchstone for design and new fashions. The Re-Deco and Lladró Fragrances collections were launched at an event held yesterday, 29th May, with the attendance of Jaime Hayón, Lladró’s Art Director.

Over 300 people attended the event held at colette for the world presentation of Lladró Fragrances, a new concept of scents for the home dovetailing with Lladró’s creative universe. An innovative new perspective has given rise to a number of objects aimed at impregnating the home with exclusive fragrances: little artworks for the most varied styles in interiors.

The Re-Deco collection was also unveiled at colette. Re-Deco is a new twist on Lladró’s classic figurines, reinterpreting them from a range of decorative approaches.

Re-Deco remained on exhibit for one week in the window display at colette, where it was seen by thousands of people given the store’s location in the very heart of Paris. Over the week, celebrities like Karl Lagerfeld visited colette, where the pieces are on sale.

It appears that Lladro has finally moved into current times by releasing a few lines of ceramic accessories. Now you don’t have to worry about a place to put it when your thinking of purchasing your next Lladro masterpiece.

Magic Forrest ring ($125).

Their Chinese Dragon Collection is also worth a look.