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Nestled on a peaceful street in Attard, Malta, Villa Bologna showcases a magnificent wall that stretches along its premises. This 18th-century palazzo is home to one of the oldest ceramic workshops in the country. Through a beautifully carved scalloped window, visitors catch a glimpse of the workshop’s inner workings.
Created in 1924 by Margaret Hulton, wife of future prime minister Gerald Strickland, Villa Bologna Pottery was established to provide employment opportunities for the local community, which was struggling to find work after the war. After sustaining heavy bombing during the subsequent world war, Cecilia de Trafford, Hulton’s stepdaughter, relocated the pottery to the stables of the family’s villa. With the help of British ceramicist Charles Bone and his sculptor wife Sheila Mitchell, the pottery was reinvigorated and reopened in 1951. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant natural surroundings, they infused each piece with a distinctive Mediterranean flair. The pottery has remained in the family’s possession ever since, preserving its legacy within the former stables.
In more recent times, Sophie and Rowley Edwards, friends of Cecilia’s grandson Jasper de Trafford, have taken the reins of the pottery with a vision to revive it for a modern audience. The bright and airy shop not only showcases an array of colorful ceramics but is also connected to the workshop itself. Here, a team of local artists meticulously crafts and hand-paints each piece on-site. Sophie describes the connection between the production and the shop as an immersive experience.
Villa Bologna Pottery boasts an impressive collection of celebrated pieces. This includes turquoise lamps inspired by the Dolphin Pond in the villa’s garden, the iconic ’70s pineapple lamp, sailboat lamps adorned with evil eyes, believed to protect fishermen, and fish-shaped Glug Glug jugs. Particularly popular are the fruit and fish-adorned plates, platters, and pasta bowls conceived by the late Aldo Cremona, who dedicated 65 years to the pottery and nurtured a generation of talented artists. Sophie delights in mixing and matching the designs, explaining how different combinations can completely transform the look of a table.
The creation process for each piece of traditional earthenware at Villa Bologna Pottery is a labor-intensive one. It takes several weeks to complete, beginning with the casting of the ceramics using clay from Stoke-on-Trent and culminating in hand-painting, firing, glazing, and another round of firing. Rowley emphasizes the longstanding technique employed at the pottery, noting that few still uphold such standards in an era dominated by mass-produced ceramics.
To further diversify their offerings, the Edwards have expanded the range of ceramics and introduced homeware items like woven placemats from Colombia. While drawing from the rich traditional motifs in the pottery’s archive, they have also incorporated new designs such as stripes and palm trees, paying homage to the spirit of the island in their own unique way. Sophie, whose parents established The Rug Company, grew up witnessing the artistry of craftspeople from around the world. For her, the journey of creating beautifully handmade items for the home is deeply ingrained in her DNA.
Apart from renovating the shop, Villa Bologna Pottery has launched an e-commerce website and opened a restaurant next door. The trattoria serves delectable seasonal dishes, including sea bass with saffron, red peppers, and basil, paired with Italian wines. Much of the produce used is grown in the villa’s own grounds, and everything is presented on Villa Bologna tableware. Sophie expresses how sitting at a table, enjoying local fare on their plates, provides an enchanting way for visitors to experience Malta and marks a renaissance for the pottery.
Visit Villa Bologna Pottery at 30 Triq San Anton, Attard, Malta, or explore their website at villabolognapottery.com.
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