Yecla, Spain:

Where Artistry, Tradition,

and Craftsmanship Unite

Yecla's journey from small workshops to industrial success reflects a blend of tradition, innovation, and external influences, culminating in a thriving furniture industry renowned for its craftsmanship.

The Evolution of Yecla's Traditional Furniture Industry and Wood Carving

Yecla, a small city in the Murcia Region of southeast Spain, boasts a rich history in wood craftsmanship dating back to ancient times when 'Aperaores' or 'Master Cartwrights' were prominent. By the 17th century, furniture became a symbol of wealth, with only the affluent able to afford it. The 18th century witnessed a shift as furniture became commonplace in households, marking the beginning of Yecla's furniture industry growth. In the last century, Yecla underwent significant development in cabinetmaking, evolving from a small workshop into a robust industry. By 1915, there were already 77 professionals, including carpenters and cabinetmakers, in the city, marking substantial growth in this sector.

In carpentry workshops, there have always been craftsmen who knew how to handle wood carving. Key figures like José Mora Parra, known as 'Maestro Mora,' and José Villanueva played significant roles in shaping Yecla's artisanal landscape, particularly in carpentry and wood carving. Villanueva's mastery laid the groundwork for future artisans, inspiring a new era of artistic development.

By 1950, Yecla witnessed the proliferation of woodcarvers due to the growing demand for carved work on furniture. It was precisely these woodcarvers who led the creation of new industries. While they initially started as expanded workshops, the arrival of the Furniture Fair, first held in 1961, provided the necessary boost to embark on a true industrial journey. Consequently, numerous industrial buildings were constructed on the outskirts of the city, giving rise to the various industrial estates that today constitute Yecla's thriving industry.

Woodcarving and art

In every cultural and social progress, there have always been notable protagonists, and in Yecla, the woodcarver and sculptor Pedro Ortega takes on this role. In his workshop, he had the first carving machine, of German origin, which, though not highly perfected, provided significant assistance by expediting the production process, smoothing, and preparing the pieces for finishing touches. This enhanced the creativity of the woodcarver, freeing up their hands to craft more daring ornamentation and even small sculptures.

What transpired in Ortega's workshop eventually influenced others. The introduction of this machine into the production of carvings spurred artisans in Yecla to venture beyond pure ornamentation and pursue deeper artistic goals. This was their evolution and their reality, primarily spanning from 1960 to 1968 but extending well beyond 1980.

Learning about woodcarving history through CRAEFT

In the framework of the CRAEFT project, experts from the French Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers explored the tradition of woodcarving in Yecla. Guided by a local craftsman, Mr. Francisco Sanchez, a disciple of Pedro Ortega, they delved into the history and techniques of this ancient craft while touring the Museo Mariano Virgen del Castillo and the Museo de la Semana Santa to appreciate emblematic works.

Francisco works entirely as a woodcarving artisan, having learned the basics and principles of this artisan practice from Pedro Ortega. He has worked for various furniture workshops, collaborating in the final process of traditional furniture pieces adorned with carvings and finials. Additionally, he has also contributed to the creation of artistic religious thrones used in the Yecla Holy Week celebrations, some of which are currently on display in both visited museums.