Portuguese Artisans Preserve Country’s Cultural Heritage, One Tile at a Time
In the heart of Lisbon, a small workshop is bustling with activity as artisans meticulously recreate and restore azulejos, the iconic hand-painted ceramic tiles that adorn buildings throughout Portugal.
“I can easily tell when the tiles were made by their thickness,” Mr. Rego, a skilled craftsman, said as he demonstrated how the tiles evolved over the centuries. From the 16th century to modern times, the thickness of the tiles has decreased, reflecting the changing styles and techniques of the artisans.
No project is too small for Mr. Rego and his team, who are dedicated to preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage. Whether it’s reproducing a few tiles or thousands, the artisans take pride in their work, charging around 20 euros per tile.
The workshop also specializes in restoring antique azulejos, such as those found in the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon and the home of fashion designer Christian Louboutin. One artist, Sónia Guerrinha, is currently working on a panel from an old palace in Sintra, a task that requires imagination and skill to recreate the missing pieces.
For Ms. Marques, the most exciting part of her job is the challenge of restoring azulejos that have been damaged by natural disasters. “I have to imagine what it looked like,” she said, describing the meticulous research and design process that goes into each restoration.
One of the secrets to the workshop’s success is their guarded formula for recreating the background colors of antique tiles. “We have our secret recipe, like Coca-Cola,” Mr. Rego joked, highlighting the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each project.
Azulejos are more than just tiles in Portugal – they are a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Representations of azulejos can be found everywhere, from the streets of Lisbon to everyday items like toothpaste tubes.
“Azulejos represent a genuinely unique expression of Portuguese culture,” Dr. Pais, a cultural historian, said. “They are not just tiles – they are a part of our identity.”
As the artisans in Lisbon continue to preserve and restore these beautiful tiles, they are not just creating works of art – they are keeping Portugal’s history alive for generations to come.
