FORNACE DE MARTINO

FOUNDER

Carolus de Martino

HISTORY According to the De Martino family, their furnaces were built between 932 and 1032 A.D. for a Roman nobleman named Rufus. Today six family members from multiple generations run the company, among them Daniele De Martino, the general manager, and his father, Tommaso, who oversees production.

SIGNATURE STYLE

Hand-painted terracotta and ceramic tiles, the product of centuriesold techniques and high heat from the medieval furnaces. Fornace De Martino has produced tiles for the interiors, exteriors, gardens, walls, and even the pools of multiple five-star hotels, including the beloved Le Sirenuse, Il Pellicano, Santa Caterina, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, and Il San Pietro di Positano.

TECHNIQUE The clay for Fornace’s terra-cotta and ceramic tiles is sourced from an ancient quarry located in Rufoli di Ogliara, in Salerno.

NEWS Along with tiles, the e-commerce site now offers a collection of design objects, such as a set of four espresso cups with coordinated saucers, lids, and a tray.

FROM LEFT: A terrace at Le Sirenuse hotel; (from left) Antonio De Martino, Carmine Esposito (a family friend), Tommaso De Martino, Angela De Martino, Daniele De Martino, and Carlo De Martino; hand-decorated glazed tiles.