Spanish classic Lladro impresses fans of new and vintage style

Lladro was found in 1953 by three brothers: Juan, Jose and Vicente Lladro, in their home in Almàssera, Valencia

Firefly lamps from €1,050, lladro.com

One of the lesser-known joys of being a journalist is having your stiffening attitudes completely altered by an afternoon’s research. Every now and then, holding my nose, I take a deep dive into the history, mission and current production of a brand I’m frankly just not mad about.

Well, my kneejerk disdain toward Lladro of Spain, has changed to a rousing “Ole” having spent several happy, humbling hours pouring over their full catalogue, past and present. Pretensions smashed, I’ve stuck a little jewel of a Firefly Lladro lamp on the Christmas wish list – I can dream.