A history that began in the 1800s, an artistic tradition kept in the hands of the Mari family, ancient knowledge carefully preserved from generation to generation.
According to accounts handed down in Deruta workshops and documents found, the earliest traces of the Mari family date back to the 16th century. Historical documents tell that in the 18th century “a certain Giuseppe Mari da Diruta” had a small kiln, just near the upper part of the town, in a hamlet called “Il cerro.”
In the 1930s the business intensified, the workshop grew so much that several members of the family decided to join forces, so in 1932 three brothers together with a brother-in-law founded the firm Fratelli Mari & C.
Over the years, creations made with passion thanks to the contribution of the whole family and important artists of international renown, allow the company to position its brand in the world of high-quality ceramics. Many customers arrive from overseas as well, and prominent organizations award recognition and prizes for quality and artistic achievement.
Over time the business has grown, going through several stages of development and corporate transformations, but always all management has remained in the family headquarters, which continues to this day to hand down secrets and ancient techniques.
The artistic tradition of Deruta has changed over time the number of workshops and artisans in the area, today the remaining firms are few and struggling in daily management, having to struggle with counterfeits and fake craftsmanship.
Even today the work of the F.lli Mari firm continues with satisfaction and passion, so much so that it turns out to be one of the oldest and most prestigious in Deruta.
Over the years, creations made with passion thanks to the contribution of the whole family and leading international artists have enabled the company to position its brand in the world of high-quality ceramics.
The origins of Deruta ceramics date back to 1282, with the production of everyday objects decorated with geometric, floral and sacred motifs in copper green and manganese brown.
During the Renaissance, the influence of great masters such as Perugino and Pinturicchio enriched Deruta's style, leading to the creation of masterpieces such as amatory cups, pump plates, and vases decorated with gold and reddish metallic luster. Among the most famous masters are Nicola Francioli “Co” and Giacomo Mancini “El Frate.”
In the 17th century, ceramics were distinguished by compendiary and Raphaelesque decorations, while calligraphy emerged as a new artistic expression. An important testimony to this period are the more than 700 ex-voto plaques dedicated to Our Lady of the Baths.
After a period of decline in the 18th century, Deruta majolica was reborn in the 19th century thanks to scholars and artists such as Francesco Briganti and Alpinolo Magnini. In the 20th century, the city became a center of international excellence, with workshops carrying on a unique, award-winning tradition recognized worldwide.
The entire history of Deruta ceramics is vividly illustrated by the more than six thousand works on display at the Regional Ceramics Museum of Deruta, arranged in chronological order from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The collection also includes a substantial section of contemporary ceramics, featuring works by internationally renowned artists such as Abbozzo, Accardi, Dorazio, Schifano, Turcato and many others, bearing witness to Deruta’s flourishing artistic activity in the 20th century.
The permanent exhibition follows a route extending from the ground floor to the two upper floors; it begins with an educational section and describes, organised by period, the evolution of Deruta majolica from its earliest forms to the 20th century. Certain thematic areas are preserved, such as the reconstruction of an ancient apothecary, collections presented in their entirety, the section on majolica floor tiles and that of votive plaques.
The contemporary section consists mainly of works from the Multiplo d’Artista in Maiolica and the Deruta Prize; the archaeological section, on the other hand, offers a significant overview of the main types of pottery produced in ancient times and brings together Greek, Italic, Etruscan and Roman ceramic objects.
An imposing four-storey steel tower, housing over 4,500 works, forms the storage section, which is fully open to the public.
Since 2013, the visitor route has also included the archaeological site of the San Salvatore kilns; the archaeological survey, completed in 2010, revealed a sequence of structures dating from the late 13th to the early 18th centuries and led to the recovery of a substantial number of ceramic artefacts.
Today, an underground tunnel connects the museum with the archaeological site, creating a unique itinerary that winds its way from the ancient kilns used for firing ceramics to the historical collections, through to 20th-century productions and the spaces dedicated to conferences, educational and workshop activities, and temporary exhibitions.
