About
Rui Patalim is a master potter from São Pedro do Corval, Portugal, home to the country's largest pottery tradition. A descendant of several generations of potters, he has dedicated his life to preserving and evolving his family's craft, continuing a legacy that dates back to the mid-19th century.
Working from the historic Olaria Patalim, Rui combines traditional hand-throwing techniques with contemporary ceramic design. His work reflects a deep respect for Portuguese craftsmanship while embracing modern aesthetics, resulting in pieces that are both timeless and innovative. Today, his ceramics are appreciated not only throughout Portugal but also by collectors and customers around the world.
Passionate about keeping the art of pottery alive, Rui welcomes visitors to his workshop, where they can experience the process of transforming clay into handcrafted works of art. His dedication to quality, authenticity, and innovation has made Olaria Patalim one of the most recognized pottery workshops in São Pedro do Corval and an important ambassador for Portuguese ceramic heritage.
Well worth the time and money spent.
Rui gave us a full insight on the world of pottery and taught us how to create our own pieces, hands on the clay.
I had a wonderful experience with Rui, where he taught me the traditional techniques of Portuguese pottery. It was a 1-1 session in his own space, so I really got to learn a lot from his experience whilst being surrounded by experts working. He is very calm and keen to teach, so I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in improving their pottery skills.