A Man and His Factory

There are few things that equal the glee of a man in his factory, especially a factory with piles of cement and marble powder and cool pigments for mixing colors. And machines, let's not forget the machines. Big, heavy hydraulic presses that could render a hand a pancake if misused. Oh yeah, and a pool-sized water bath for curing tiles. And racks for drying tiles. And a forklift for moving tiles. And boxes and boxes for shipping tiles - not to mention fumigated pallets on which to stack the boxes.

This to announce: popham design finally has new digs. A modest spot near the airport in Marrakech where we can do some r&d (not to be confused with r&r, which doesn't get rewarded at this factory), and deliver on those orders from the States that have started to come in.

So here are a few pics of the factory and the man behind it (note his beaming mug!).

Where to Begin

True, it's been awhile since we contributed anything to the Chronicles, but it's not because we've been eating bon-bons all day. In the months since our last post we've: undergone Third World surgery; started a Moroccan business (www.pophamdesign.com), actually make that two (www.habibihomes.com); been home and back (yes, back, we're going to be in Marrakech for awhile for those of you who put off an early visit); made some new friends; hosted some great old friends and family; and generally continued weaving our little thread into the fabric of life here in Marrakech. Oh yeah, we also got a car - a rather toy-like car, but a car nonetheless. Her name is Tarte Citron and she's had her seats slipcovered in a very tarty chartreuse linen with white piping.

What's past is past, though, so we'll attempt some fresh news soon. In the meantime, here are a few pics from the last 6 months; sadly, of late, our camera has been relegated to capturing cement tiles in all their glory.


Tarte Citron, isn't she lovely!



Sam experimented with a bearded look for winter . . . and impersonated Darth Vader




Mark and Dara Quinlan came to visit in December


We took in the Maison et Objets show in Paris in January



Where we also caught up with old friends Philippe and Chantal de Riberolles


Fanny and Romain made a quick trip to Marrakech on their way from LA to Buenes Aires


Easter in Los Angeles - the cousins chose spring green outfits


Mum, Marjie and me at Dar Zellij in April