Monday, June 4, 2018

azulejos, the Portuguese tiles


I've noted in past posts and shown a few pictures of the tile work in Portugal and so I quickly became particularly attracted to them on the houses and shops early on taking more than a few pictures not only of the tiles in situ but close-ups of the tiles themselves. I've created a Pinterest gallery of most, if not all, the pictures I took and you can see them all here-tiles or here-tiled buildings but here are a few examples... 






and some of my favorites...







Hard to pick just a few.

So, Friday, Denise and I walked to the National Tile Museum Museu Nacional do Azulejo which is housed in a former convent founded in 1509 and chronicles the culture, history, and art of tile making in Portugal from the 15th century to modern times. The azulejos (link to a brief history) are a big part of Portugal's national identity and they are still being used and designed by contemporary artists in urban development.









Hard to pick just a few.

the convent chapel

The museum is also working to categorize all the boxes and boxes and boxes of tiles in storage and actively restores tiles and tile sets.

Looking through the glass walls at the work areas...






I've saved this post for last because of all that I saw and experienced in Portugal, I think the tile will be the thing that will impact my work, maybe the way I approach my work. Anyway, I have a few ideas that I want to pursue if Rocky ever gets done. He has shown up this week, work a half day but he was trying to finish up what he was working on. Hopefully I'll have his full attention Monday.


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11 comments:

  1. These are simply mind-blowing. Thank you for taking the time, the photos, and for sharing.

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  2. Just gorgeous. I don't think they get hail in England with all those glass orangeries and in Portugal with all the tiles.

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  3. I too have been fascinated by the intricacies of the tile makers art. We have a few places here in Albuq where artists have been given the joyous task of creating public art with tile. Glorious but nothing compares to the wonder of your photos of the tiles of Portugal

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  4. I think I would have been entirely overwhelmed on all sense-levels. The sea, the light, the art, the tiles, the food, the people. Cripe-o! I can't wait to see how all of this wonder will affect your art. Thank you so much for taking us along - and for all of the wonderful, wonderful photographs!

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  5. It's wonderful there are old tiles that can be used to restore. I've seen (and even purchased) some modern tiles at art shows. Small renditions. I am overwhelmed b the work of sorting through stored tiles to recreate the huge patterns.

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  6. Given the effort that you've put into selecting tile for your house, in addition to your glass-sculpting, I'm not surprised that you found the tiles so interesting. They ARE amazing and a very unique part of Portuguese culture.

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  7. Looking forward to seeing the evolution of your art!

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  8. Awesome tiles! Thank you for sharing.

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  9. Like the convent chapel the best. I greeted a set of nuns every day for a long time before I heard they had taken a vow of silence

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  10. What a great series of posts from your travels. I enjoyed it so much!

    Occasionally we visit a Portuguese bakery here, licking our fingers after eating too many pasteis de nata and shaking from the very strong coffee. Must go again soon.

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  11. OH ELLEN, If this is your final post of Portugal, I want to you to get on the next flight out and do it some more. Such a feast for the eyes!

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I opened my big mouth, now it's your turn.