Just read the latest View Mallorca feature on Maria De Haan and the De Haan Gallery in Deià. What a story – from learning ceramics in London, to working in a Caribbean sugar mill, to studying under Simon Leach (grandson of Bernard Leach!), and now running a stunning gallery and workshop space in the Tramuntana.
Her smoke-fired technique using seaweed, olive branches and other natural materials is fascinating. Each piece captures something unique from the firing process. The gallery itself was designed by terra coll home and looks absolutely beautiful – lime-washed walls, stone plinths, and workshop windows overlooking the valley.
Has anyone visited the gallery or taken one of her workshops? I’d love to hear about the experience. Also curious about other ceramics studios worth visiting on the island.
I visited De Haan Gallery last month and it’s absolutely worth the trip to Deià. The space is breathtaking – you walk in from the street and it feels like stepping into a curated art installation. The ceramics on those stone plinths are stunning.
I didn’t do a workshop but they had a guest ceramicist from Japan doing a raku firing demo. Maria was there and incredibly warm and knowledgeable. She talked about how the Tramuntana landscape influences her work – the way the light hits the terracotta mountains at different times of day.
If you’re interested in other ceramics, check out Joanna’s shop further up the street in Deià too. And in Sóller there’s a couple of good studios near the train station.
The smoke-firing technique is fascinating. I saw a demo once and the transformation when natural materials burn against the clay is almost magical – you genuinely cannot predict what pattern you’ll get. Every piece is one of a kind.
Does anyone know if she sells online? Would love to get a piece but can’t make it to Deià anytime soon.
Just booked a workshop there for next week. The fact that you’re working with mountain views through the windows sold me. Will report back!
Also worth mentioning the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró in Palma if you’re into ceramics – Miró did a lot of ceramic work towards the end of his career and the foundation has some beautiful pieces on display.
Wonderful to see the discussion about Maria’s work! If you enjoy this kind of arts and culture coverage, check out our Immerse section for more features on artists, galleries and cultural events across the island. We’ll be publishing more studio visits throughout the summer.