Arpillera from Peru

A project run by the Diocese of Peru

Purchase from a selection of different articles and designs. Please explore this small website to find out more about Arpillera and the project.

The marvellous detail, vivid colors so typical of South America, and the heart of each artist make every piece of arpillera a wonderful unique gift for anyone.

There is so much to see in each piece that every time you look you will see something different, encouraging you to look and wonder, over and over again. It will also become a real talking point for your visitors. The variety of texture in the materials use and their colour is so typical of South America.

Your purchase will benefit some of the poorest people in Lima, the capital city of Peru. Our Church works with residents of the Shanty Towns who have no natural resources at their disposal and who live in the poorest of self-built accommodation.

The ladies are paid a good and fair price for their work in the projects run by the Church. In addition, through making a small “profit”, all of which is sent back to Peru, we are able to develop further groups and help even more of these poor people and their families to better their lives.

Please look at our background page for more information on the history of Arpillera in Peru and of the project and to view some photographs of the ladies at work and their environment. Our prices page will give you details of prices of individual items and an indication of postage costs. Our examples page shows you some photographs of the items which can be ordered.

New Products - visit our Examples page

More about how the groups are expanding and how the income is used - see our Background page

Some quotes from the ladies themselves:-

A word to purchasers and admirers - from the Peruvian crafters:
"With my work I send you the peace of God. May it lighten your life like the sun and moon brighten the day and the night."
"We dedicate our art with much love, caring, and a big strong hug for all. Even though you are far away, you are in our hearts."
"I hope this finds all of you who have given us work in good health. I hope you spend time with your families and that they are all in good health. Thank you for everything. May god bless. I will continue to work for my children."
"May your heart be filled with peace, love, and happiness. Thank you for your help. It helps me and my family. We have you in our hearts and prayers. May God bless you and your family."

Links

Diocesan Website

The Diocese has its own website in English.

Price List

Download
Arpillera Price List

Leaflet

Download
Arpillera Explanatory Leaflet

Enquiries

E-mail Nick and Chris Roberts
For Cornwall, contact Revd. Matthew Godfrey
For Diocese of Worcester, contact Margaret Rutter

Talks

If your group would like Nick to come to show some photos of Peru, talk about the work of the Church in Peru and especially the Arpillera work in the Shanty Towns, please contact him at the e-mail above (within easy travelling distance of Chesterfield only please).