Jordi Llorens has been linked to wood, decoration and ceramics for more than half a century. Born in 1935 in Barcelona, he grew up in a family of cabinetmakers and carpenters with 180 years of tradition. His professional life was marked by the family business, but his true vocation was built in parallel: Catalan ceramics.
“I loved my job, I wasn’t planning on retiring, but my tax advisor recommended it to me,” Jordi tells The Vanguard. His retirement, at age 66, was not desired, but a decision that was “recommended” for various reasons. However, he confesses that “I wouldn’t recommend it.”
An almost forced retirement
In Spain, the ordinary retirement age has been rising, but many self-employed workers encounter a tax barrier that pushes them to retire. The minimum contribution bases and the comparison between continuing to pay contributions or starting to collect the pension mean that in many cases it is ‘not worth it’ to continue working.
After retirement, Jordi found a new horizon in ceramics. As he details to the Catalan media, constant study, observation of old pieces and contact with other collectors made him one of the great expert voices in Catalan, Valencian and Aragonese ceramics.
His house is full of ceramics and art, while its walls are covered with pieces from the 17th century, the result of an educated look since he was young. Jordi’s knowledge not only stayed there, but was transferred to paper.
“I consider myself privileged”
Since his retirement he has published seven books dedicated to ceramics. “This sensitivity comes from my father, Frances Llorens i Riu, who had a key role in the creation of one of the best furniture collections in the country,” he explains to the medium.
However, his work is not limited only to writing, but he has also advised dozens of people who seek him out to inquire into his knowledge on the subject. At more than 90 years old, this Catalan remains curious and claims to feel “privileged” and “grateful for the life I have.”
It is estimated that in Spain, crafts contribute around 0.4% of the GDP and generate about 125,000 direct jobs. However, it faces a very critical generational change where profiles like Jordi’s are considered ‘guardians’ of this knowledge.