Esparto basketry workshop
Saturday, 23 May 2026
An introductory workshop in esparto basketry led by master basketmaker Carlos Fontales, a leading figure in the research, teaching and revival of this craft. Guided by his expertise, participants will be introduced to an ancient technique rooted in the land, natural materials and the unhurried rhythm of handcraft.
The workshop will take place at ÁBBATTE, in the beautiful setting of the Monastery of Santa María de la Sierra, in Collado Hermoso, Segovia. The day will also include a visit to ÁBBATTE’s textile and dyeing workshops, and to its botanical garden dedicated to dye plants.
Participants will also be able to visit the exhibition “The Forgotten Red of Cartilla: Rubia tinctorum and its Dyeing Legacy”, installed beside ÁBBATTE’s workshops. The exhibition explores the dyeing memory of this plant and its role in the history of colour.
PROGRAMME
10.00 – Welcome: presentation of the centre. Coffee or tea with convent-made pastries.
10.30 – Introductory session on esparto basketry in Spain, with projected images. The most common esparto techniques and materials.
11.15 – First workshop session: beginning the piece.
12.15 – Coffee and a walk through the botanical dye-plant garden and the Monastery.
12.45 – Second workshop session: continuing the making process.
14.00 – Lunch.
15.00 – Visit to ÁBBATTE’s other spaces: textile workshop, dyeing workshop and Rubia exhibition.
16.00 – Finishing and completing the piece.
18.00 – End of the course.
LUNCH
Starters: Crudités with a selection of cheeses and pickles.
First course: Gazpacho or courgette cream soup.
Main course: Roast beef with rice, nuts and dried fruit.
Dessert: Assorted fruit, pastries and fresh cheese with quince paste.
Coffee with chocolates. Selection of breads.
Drinks: Wine and beer.
COURSE LED BY:
CARLOS FONTALES, master basketmaker, researcher and author of several books on the subject. He has led courses and conferences in various countries and taken part in several national and international exhibitions.
REGISTRATION
- Maximum number of participants: 12. Places will be allocated in order of registration.
- All materials included, as well as lunch.
- Certificate of attendance provided.
For further information: info@abbatte.com
Telephone: +34 916 22 55 30.
Esparto basketry workshop
Saturday, 23 May 2026
An introductory workshop in esparto basketry led by master basketmaker Carlos Fontales, a leading figure in the research, teaching and revival of this craft. Guided by his expertise, participants will be introduced to an ancient technique rooted in the land, natural materials and the unhurried rhythm of handcraft.
The workshop will take place at ÁBBATTE, in the beautiful setting of the Monastery of Santa María de la Sierra, in Collado Hermoso, Segovia. The day will also include a visit to ÁBBATTE’s textile and dyeing workshops, and to its botanical garden dedicated to dye plants.
Participants will also be able to visit the exhibition “The Forgotten Red of Cartilla: Rubia tinctorum and its Dyeing Legacy”, installed beside ÁBBATTE’s workshops. The exhibition explores the dyeing memory of this plant and its role in the history of colour.
PROGRAMME
10.00 – Welcome: presentation of the centre. Coffee or tea with convent-made pastries.
10.30 – Introductory session on esparto basketry in Spain, with projected images. The most common esparto techniques and materials.
11.15 – First workshop session: beginning the piece.
12.15 – Coffee and a walk through the botanical dye-plant garden and the Monastery.
12.45 – Second workshop session: continuing the making process.
14.00 – Lunch.
15.00 – Visit to ÁBBATTE’s other spaces: textile workshop, dyeing workshop and Rubia exhibition.
16.00 – Finishing and completing the piece.
18.00 – End of the course.
LUNCH
Starters: Crudités with a selection of cheeses and pickles.
First course: Gazpacho or courgette cream soup.
Main course: Roast beef with rice, nuts and dried fruit.
Dessert: Assorted fruit, pastries and fresh cheese with quince paste.
Coffee with chocolates. Selection of breads.
Drinks: Wine and beer.
COURSE LED BY:
CARLOS FONTALES, master basketmaker, researcher and author of several books on the subject. He has led courses and conferences in various countries and taken part in several national and international exhibitions.
REGISTRATION
- Maximum number of participants: 12. Places will be allocated in order of registration.
- All materials included, as well as lunch.
- Certificate of attendance provided.
For further information: info@abbatte.com
Telephone: +34 916 22 55 30.