For a unique art experience in Lisbon, visit the Galeria Tapeçarias de Portalegre. This “showroom,” of sorts, in a refurbished centuries-old building displays the incredible handmade tapestries of Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre. It is an art, history and artisan-appreciation experience rolled into one.
Manufactura de Tapaçarias de Portalegre was formed in 1946 by two friends, Guy Fino and Manuel Celestino Peixeiro, who wished to revive the tradition of hand knotted rugs in Portugal. Peixeiro’s father got into the act when he taught the friends a unique stitch he invented as a textile student in Roubaix, France. The first tapestry was produced in 1948, with a design by João Tavares.
In fact, all designs in Tapeçarias de Portalegre collection are based on works from some of Portugal’s most famous artists, including Eduardo Nery, Joana Vasconcelos, Manuel Cargaleiro, Nadir Afonso, Vieira da Silva and Carlos Botelho.
Materials used for the tapestries are 100% natural: pure wool for the decorative weave; and pure cotton, in the warp and in the binding weft. The density of the weave is 2,500 to 10,000 points per square decimeter.
Each design is made in limited series of one, four or eight copies. Each tapestry is numbered and authenticated by the artist via his signature on the certificate of authenticity.
This beautiful seven meter long Lisboa by Carlos Botelho (video above) was originally commissioned by the Bank of Lisbon in South Africa. It consists of 152 colors and took 11 weavers 3 months to make. It is a masterful work of art.
Temporary exhibitions are always taking place. Stop by the gallery regularly for ever-changing works on view.
For more information, visit the Tapeçarias de Portalegre website.
Galeria Tapeçarias de Portalegre
Rua Academia das Ciências, No. 2J
(between Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto)
Lisbon
Phone: +351 213 421 481
Email: galeria@mtportalegre.pt
Hours: Monday to Friday – 13:30 to 19:30
Photo at top: Manuel Cargaleiro “Eira Litoral”, 144x241cm
Photos: Portugal Confidential
