Originally from Medina de Rioseco (Valladolid), Fernando Martínez settled in Zamora, where he was involved in several transactions involving the purchase and sale of works of art in the province. His dealings with the chapter of the cathedral of Zamora in the early years of the 20th century were common. This is how he acquired some antique chests, some carpets and various objects belonging to the temple. He also acquired the church of San Leonardo de Zamora in order to commercialize its most noble parts. His son, Ignacio Martínez, continued with the business of buying and selling works of art and extended his network of commercial relations, establishing contact with important agents of the international traffic of antiques from Spain.