Quintanar de la Orden recently held a conference on quixotic tile art, presented by local historian and archaeologist Zacarías López-Barrajón, on 15 October. This event was part of the XXIII Antonio Cano Cultural Week, organised by the Santiago Apóstol Cultural Association.
The conference, titled “Azulejería de temática quijotesca en Quintanar de la Orden,” attracted the attention of local officials, including Mayor Pablo Nieto Toldos and several members of the Municipal Corporation, who joined attendees in celebrating the town's rich historical and cultural heritage.
Marciano Ortega, president of the Santiago Apóstol Cultural Association, praised López-Barrajón for his dedication to researching and promoting Quintanar's heritage, while also acknowledging the institutional support that facilitates cultural activities.
López-Barrajón, who has a distinguished background in local history and cultural heritage, has received several accolades, including the Juan Martín de Nicolás Award in 2010 and his appointment as a corresponding academic for Quintanar de la Orden by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Historical Sciences of Toledo in 2013.
During his presentation, López-Barrajón explored various examples of tile art related to the figure of Don Quixote, showcasing photographs, documents, and historical explanations. Attendees learned about ceramic panels, facades, and decorative elements that form part of the local history, many of which were previously unknown to them.
The conference highlighted the Cervantine ceramic tradition present in various locations throughout the municipality, delving into the quixotic scenes depicted on the tiles, their artistic characteristics, chronology, and their connection to everyday life and the local economy.
López-Barrajón also discussed examples of lost tile art, such as that which adorned an old house on Calle Concepción, whose Quixote scenes were documented before the building's demolition. He showcased preserved works located in different areas of Quintanar, emphasising the importance of documenting, protecting, and promoting this heritage.
This enriching event allowed attendees to discover and appreciate aspects of Quintanar's tile art that were previously unfamiliar, underscoring the wealth of local heritage and the necessity of ongoing efforts to recover and disseminate it. The XXIII Antonio Cano Cultural Week continues to offer initiatives that bring history, art, and culture closer to the community.
