López Wickerwork

There is no outward sign advertising this wickerwork shop’s existence, but through the glass panels in the wooden door José Luis López can be seen at work. He is a fourthgeneration member of a family of artisans, devoted to the craft of weaving wicker and reeds into chairs and other furnishings. José Luis’ father, Fidel, was born in 1910 in the family home located in the rear of the shop. This was a common arrangement at the time, since it saved rent money and travel time. The workers, specialists in various aspects of production, were offered a salary and a bed in the basement or cellar. Fidel began his apprenticeship at the age of twelve, and his sister Juana at eleven. They maintained some notable high-profile clients, creating work for the Royal Palace, Torre de Madrid, the Belgian Royal Family, Madrid Casino, the Prado Museum, the Palace Hotel and Hollywood restaurant franchise.