269. Ceramic

Ispra, Italy

Late in the afternoon we, again on Tim's advice headed for the International Museum of Ceramic Design, fifteen minutes up the road. It is sited here as during the nineteenth century there was a large ceramics factory on the waterfront with all manufacturing ceasing fifteen years ago.

The building itself is fantastic from XCI century  and came into public ownership in the 18th C following the extinction of the male line of the noble family. The mansion is set around a central courtyard with no rooms at the front, just the large gallery, open into the courtyard. I think it is one of the most simply beautiful homes I have seen. The ceramic collection was installed after the mansion was restored following it closing as a rest home in nineteen sixty six. We set the children the task of deciding what piece they would take if it were allowed. This game is always fun in galleries or museums. 

Fyfe chose this for Grandma

Iris thought this (1m high)

This one for me, maybe 14" high

This for Jacqueline

Audreys
Couldn't use flash in the museum so hand held snaps a bit fuzzy

Magnificent fireplace

Jacqueline also thought this was a keeper, about 2' high

Beautiful basins and toilets on display

Many of the ceilings were impressive 

Audrey, resting on a bench

This is about three metres high

View from the toilet

Classic sixties

Roman almost escaping photo

This tile is over a metre wide - beautiful

The second, family, story is much higher than the lower service story

Outside in the village, overlooking the lake 

Supermarket Cokes brought with us