Portugal Ceramics Missão Inversa I

THE ART OF POSSIBILITY TOUR

WELCOME GUIDE

Welcomo to the Portugal Ceramics Press Tour — MARCH 2023

Thank you for joining us on this week where we hope you have a great time around Portugal, learning more about portuguese ceramic tile companies. Our offer, made up of many companies with a highly diverse product portfolio, is designed for the global market where, thankfully, our companies are becoming increasingly more established in a solid and recognized way. Our presence in international markets is already a decades-old tradition. But we could only maintain and reinforce this presence because of our ability to innovate, and because culture, creativity, and design are what lie at our core.

We are proud to adorn walls and exquisite buildings worldwide, whether asked for a decorative effect, a functional solution, or a long-lasting solution that never gets tired or outdated.

We hope that this week is filled with information, great moments and amazing connections.

Thank you for coming!

Introduction

Since the discovery of the moulding and firing characteristics of clay, pottery accompanied History, serving Humanity for thousands of years. Initially as a response to domestic needs such as utensils and later housing, today Ceramics continues to fascinate us, responding to highly technical challenges, such as the development of new materials serving the space, automotive, medical or chemical industries.

Portugal followed the development of this industry in an exemplary fashion, knowing how to evolve in tune with the culture of its time, and projecting its national ceramics worldwide. Taking advantage of the quality of its raw materials, the country saw the birth of numerous family businesses of excellence which, gaining scale and seriously investing in innovation and technological modernization, have distinguished themselves in their respective markets to become reputed entities recognised across borders.

The strong investment in research and development, in a better quality product and international expansion, were priorities and success came naturally. In this matter, the tile is unquestionably the distinctive artistic expression of portuguese culture in the world, aesthetically adapted to the various markets and with an extensive range of formats. In our pursuit to craft ceramics solutions shaped by purposeful details, highquality materials and human needs, we create solid and lasting solutions that connect spaces to people. We see ourselves as solution providers, since our level of commitment has no precedents.

In a world where optimization and standardization rule — where clients struggle to find trustworthy partners with the right set of skills, willing to go the extra mile to deliver exactly what they want — Portuguese ceramic companies are capable of achieving these goals, answering special requests and unique specifications.

Portuguese Ceramics now leverages this incredible heritage, along with modern and efficient technology. Tradition, culture, and innovation have come together in a fusion of style, art, and elegance. Our aim is to empower architects, designers, distributors, and end-users to understand the beauty and value of Portuguese Ceramics and all the emotional value it brings. Ceramics which are beautifully designed and exceptionally made.

We strongly believe that our industry’s success resides in our pride in designing and manufacturing to the highest possible quality standards. What Portuguese companies do, they do well — since attention to detail and precision are essential in delivering exceptional quality and service each and every day.

During this week you’ll get to know some of our country’s ceramic companies and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the design processes, creativity, specific projects or sustainability challenges. Feel free to use this time to ask whatever your interest is.

Portugal Ceramics Manifesto

We are the pursuers of authenticity. A unique blend of heritage, culture and imagination which is emphasized by will and passion. We seek it. We long for it. And we make it part of everything we do.

Our DNA is creative, our skill is refined, our dedication is unquestionable, and this is what makes us extraordinary. We believe that, for every single challenge, there is a very specific answer. And herein lies the cornerstone of our quest — to work on solutions until there are no more problems.

This is why we emphasize simplicity and function through emotion and creativity. This is why we bring together contemporary design and art, legacy and technology — these balanced dichotomies are at the core of our ability to create singular, distinctive, well-made objects.

We say that how and where products are designed and made matters. Now, more than ever before.

And because there’s no living without life, we are actively committed to creating a better planet for everyone.

We put all our talent and efforts into creating products that respect our natural resources, last for generations, and stand the test of time. Products that are born from nature and designed for every purpose and use.

We believe that blurring the lines between design and art is what makes genuine connections that know no limits.

We want our ceramics to bring emotions to life, and to bring people and spaces together. We want to help people celebrate stories, preserve memories and express their dreams.

Because as we dream, we shape our future.

As we nurture a world of infinite possibilities, we fight to deliver the exceptional every day.

We are Portugal Ceramics, and this is the art of possibility.

Program Day 1 March 14th

09:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 20:00

Arrival in Lisbon during the morning/early afternoon

Check in Hotel Lisboa

(Hotel Turim Av. Liberdade Hotel 4 )

Welcome Briefing

Hotel departure Passage - Artisticts Panels (Infante Santo)

Visit the ceramic company - Viúva Lamego Stop to visit Pavilhão Portugal

Dinner - typical Fado House

Lisbon

A historical city full of stories to tell, where the sun shines 290 days a year and the temperature rarely drops below 15oC. A city where you’ll feel safe wandering around day or night, where the cuisine is dedicated to creating over a thousand ways to cook the beloved bacalhau (salted cod), and where you’ll find hotels and restaurants to suit every taste, budget and requirement. In Lisbon, a city full of authenticity where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation. From traditional architeture to the most modern buildings, you’ll find many examples of our ceramic tiles can meet the design and functional needs of either places.

Portugal Pavilion

Built for the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition and situated at the north side of the Tagus River, Portugal Pavilion is one of the main architectural landmarks in Lisbon where you can see how the beautiful, colorful ceramic tiles in the deep recesses, glazed in the national colors of green and red, add a playful touch to the otherwise austere and monumental structures. The heart of the design is an enormous 70-metre-long concrete canopy that bends down in the middle, framing a commanding view of the water. Designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira - one of Portugal’s most

renowned modern architectsphysics simplicity and clarity elevate the pavilion to the height of modern sophistication. With the help of fellow countryman Arch. Eduardo Souto Moura and the engineering expertise of Cecil Balmond, Siza created a space that was visually striking and highly effective at meeting the festival’s needs and site-specific requirements. The building and the ceramic tiles remain to this day one important architectural reference as a beautiful combination of materials.

Av. Infante Santo

The “O Mar” panel was designed by the painter Maria Keil for an existing movement from the 1950s onwards that aimed to bring tiles closer to public art. The composition stands out on Avenida Infante Santo, along with five other tiled surprises, and represents the sea with shells, whelks, boats and the figure of a fisherman dominating a composition. The panel interconnected with the

staircase that exists here perfectly, being “a reference work in the modern reintegration of the tile in the urban environment”. The prodution was made by Viúva Lamego and dates from 1959.

It should be noted that the panel we now see is a replica from 2005, as the original was already badly damaged and was kept in the City Museum.

Artist: Maria Keil

Production: Viúva Lamego

PORTUGAL CERAMICS PRESS TOUR

Until mid-2019, there was only one staircase on Av. Infante Santo that had not yet been decorated. The problem was solved by the street artist Add Fuel who designed the mural “Louvor da Vivacidade”, with development and production by Revigrés. The artist was inspired by the neighboring panels, serving his creation as a tribute to the parish where the intervention takes

place – Estrela. The mural aims to recover the artistic expression of the tile, full of historical, artistic, local architectural context, memorial and national tradition, bringing it up to date. In this way, the use of tilesundeniably one of Portugal’s identity elements - is kept but with a current aesthetic and reading: a unique and differentiating feature of the guest artist.

Artist: Add Fuel | Production: Revigrés

This work, commissioned within the framework of Lisbon 94, European Capital of Culture, represents the first public work in which Eduardo Nery used this type of ceramic slabs, executed using a molding technique, in the shape of a wedge measuring 30x30 cm each, with a maximum height of 8 cm, showing three shades of orange, as well as allowing four different laying positions, which produce different plastic rhythms depending on the

location of the observer and the incidence of light on the ceramic surface. The author’s constant concern is clearly evident here, which consists of taking advantage of the ceramic element as a lightreflecting element. The production of this work was carried out by Secla Cerâmicas, under the coordination of Aleluia Cerâmicas.

Artist: Eduardo Nery

Production: Secla Ceramicas Coordination: Aleluia Cerâmicas

Day 2 March 15th

08:30 11:00 13:00 15:30

18:00

Check out from hotel and departure to Aveiro

Visit the ceramic company - Pavigrés

Lunch break

Visit the ceramic company - Revigrés

Check in Hotel Aveiro (Aveiro Palace Hotel 4 )

Dinner in Aveiro restaurant with sea flavors 21:00

Aveiro

Visit Aveiro to discover a landscape dominated by water. Next to the sea, the city of Aveiro is crossed by a network of water channels through which moliceiros (local boats) meander. Aveiro is known for its canals but also for its rich tile heritage. There are countless examples of this art along the streets of the city, where a large number of buildings in Art Nouveau style are worth seeing. The municipality of Aveiro is one of the founding members of the Portuguese Association of Ceramic Cities and Villages. From an early age, ceramics assumes a fundamental role in Aveiro. The clay-rich soil has led many potters to dedicate themselves to the manufacture of ceramic pieces.

PORTUGAL CERAMICS PRESS TOUR

Next to the Antiga Fábrica Jerónimo Pereira Campos, there is a new panel of tiles measuring 57 x 3 m, consisting of 5616 hand-painted tiles that took over 3 months to paint, by hand, at Aleluia Cerâmicas. The panel was designed by the artist from Aveiro, Fatinha Ramos, a former student of the Visual Arts Course at José Estêvão Secondary School. The artist worked for a few years as a designer, but ended up realizing her longlasting dream and becoming exclusively an illustrator. As an illustrator, she creates imaginary and surreal realities. Her work features unique textures and a very bright color palette. Her illustrations can be found both in children’s books, murals, animation cinema, theater/scenography, fashion, and in this case also in ceramics.

Artist: Fatinha Ramos | Production: Aleluia Cerâmicas

PORTUGAL CERAMICS PRESS TOUR

Day 3 March 16th

08:45 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:30 16:30 18:30

19:30 21:30

Check out from hotel and departure to Porto

Visit the ceramic company - Aleluia

Visit the ceramic company - Love Tiles

Lunch break

Departure to Porto city

Visit to the Leixões Terminal (the architect responsible for the project, Luís Pedro Silva, will be the guide). The building is a symbolic and impressive work of architecture whose facade is covered with Portuguese ceramic tiles.

Check in Hotel (Hotel Eurostars das Artes do Porto 4 )

Tour around Porto tile Facades S. Bento / Casa da Música (optional)

Dinner with Portuguese flavors

Porto

On a brief visit to Porto, there are some places that cannot be missed. In the words of many visitors, this city has something mystical that is difficult to describe and which varies according to the place, time of day and light. Whatever it is, it certainly has to do with its people, known to be generous and easy-going, as well as the River Douro and its heritage on both banks, with its bridges and monuments, the tiles, the flowering balconies and the shopping streets. The historic centre of Porto and the River Douro on the Gaia side, where the Port Wine lodges are located, are classified as World Heritage. S. Bento Station, with its atrium lined with tiles, is an ideal starting point. Just ahead is the Cathedral, not to be missed, whose precinct offers the first view of the river, the cascading houses and the opposite bank. From there you descend by steps and mediaeval streets to Ribeira, with its café terraces and picturesque corners.

S. Bento Station

The S. Bento railway station, in the city centre of Porto is often described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the entire world. And this is not an overstatement. Indeed, we are talking walls and ceilings covered with 22 thousand tiles by Jorge Colaço, painter, caricaturist and potter.

Jorge Colaço (1868-1942) studied art in Madrid and in Paris and became noticed for his oil painting works. In 1903, Colaço started working tile as a “canvas” for his paintings, becoming a master in tile painting. He has created magnificent tile panels in the São Bento railway station that depict some of the most relevant episodes of Portuguese history.

Casa da Música

Casa da Música (House of Music) is a major concert hall space in Porto which houses the cultural institution of the same name with its three orchestras Orquestra Nacional do Porto, Orquestra Barroca and Remix

Ensemble. It was designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and immediately became an icon in the city. The Renaissance Room is one of the building spaces which show a pattern created by two parallelograms and a square, with the colors blue, green and white. The inspiration comes from the 19th century façades of the town. On the other hand, the optical illusion caused by the tiled mosaic evokes the European Renaissance, a time of cultural, artistic and scientific explosion in which the artists fully began exploring the use of perspective in painting.

Porto Cruise Terminal

Porto Cruise Terminal is a small port complex located at the South jetty in Matosinhos, Portugal. The definition of a new cruise terminal has since then a double objective: improvement of the commercial efficiency and a better urban integration. The ceramic tile of the curved surfaces dialogues with the sun and water, both abundant. This ceramic as a constructive module derived from the traditional coating of Porto’s building façades, was defined with a pearl tone also to contrast with the yellow granite of the port seawall. Beside the texture of the blades’ tiles, the rhythmic dance of the rails’ metalwork is highlighted by its wavy progression, nearly musical. The building as the whole intervention are erected with and upon prosaic things. Its relation is however thoughtful, meticulous and sedimentary. It’s that relation in discovery, within its own process, that justifies both the particular and general forms wanting to organize the seduction to the sea, to the land and to the movements that access the transition or spontaneous or organized visit invitation.

PORTUGAL CERAMICS PRESS TOUR

Thoughts worth keeping

Contact Information

If there is anything you need during your stay, we’re welcome to help you in any way we can.

Joana Almeida

Logistic and management issues - English speaker

+351 915 300 447

Armanda Letra

Host - German, French, English speaker

+351 912 824 546

Turim Av. Liberdade Hotel

Av. da Liberdade 247, 1250-143 Lisboa

+351 211 589 270

Hotel Eurostars Das Artes

Rua do Rosário 160 164, 4050-521 Porto

+351 222 071 250

Aveiro Palace Hotel

Rua de Viana do Castelo 4, 3800-275 Aveiro

+351 234 421 885

THE ART OF POSSIBILITY TOUR

14-17 MARCH

PORTUGAL CERAMICS PRESS TOUR

Welcome to The Art of Possibility Tour

by Portugal Ceramics

Who are we?

We are Portugal Ceramics, the international brand representing the Portuguese tile and tableware manufacturers - belonging to the Portuguese Association of Ceramics and Domestic Glass Industries. This recently launched brand has a clear purpose: to increase the understanding and enjoyment of the Portuguese Ceramics’ value, and expand its international reach, reputation and impact.

This brand follows a deep repositioning project and will act as a guide for Portuguese companies, helping reach a common idea of what makes Portuguese ceramics different, what our core values are as an industry, and why architects, designers, distributors, and other interested parties should look at Portuguese ceramics as a different and value-added solution. For that matter, we are promoting a series of brand activities all across Europe and USA under the motto Portugal CeramicsThe Art of Possibility.

We would like you to come and join us on this unique opportunity.

Day 1 March 14th

09:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 21:00

Arrival in Lisbon during the morning/early afternoon

Check in Hotel Lisboa (Hotel Eurostars das Letras 5 )*

Hotel departure

Passage - Artisticts Panels (Infante Santo)

Visit to a Portuguese ceramics company - Viúva Lamego

Stop to visit Pavilhão Portugal

Dinner - typical Fado House*

Day 2 March 15th

08:30 11:00 13:00

15:30

Check out from hotel and departure to Aveiro

Visit to a Portuguese ceramics company - Pavigrés

Lunch pause

Visit to a Portuguese ceramics companyRevigrés

18:00

Check in Hotel Aveiro (Meliá 4 )*

Dinner in Aveiro restaurant with sea flavors 21:00

Day 3 March 16th

08:45 09:00

Check out from hotel and departure to Porto

Visit to a Portuguese ceramics companyAleluia

11:00

13:00

15:30

16:30

Visit to a Portuguese ceramics company - Love Tiles

Lunch pause

Departure to Porto city

Visit to the Leixões Terminal (Arch. Luís Pedro Silva, the architect responsible for the project, will be the guide). The building is a symbolic and impressive work of architecture whose facade is covered with Portuguese ceramic tiles.

18:30

15:30

Check in Hotel (Hotel Eurostars das Artes do Porto 4 )*

Tour around Porto tile Facades S. Bento / Casa da Música (optional)

21:30

Dinner with Portuguese flavors

Day 4 March 17th

Conditions

Portugal Ceramics will bear all travel expenses, specifically, flights, transfer from airport to hotel, accommodation and meals and transport throughout the tour.

Portugal Ceramics will provide:

- A host/guide (a member of Portugal Ceramics) who will escort the group throughout the visit;

- All the necessary logistics from arrival at the airport until departure (this includes flights and transport from and to the airport in Portugal, hotels, meals, displacements in Portugal).

- Visits to 5 Portuguese companies of ceramic floors and coverings.

Your commitments to Portugal Ceramics:

- Attend all the visits of the program of the tour;

- Write and publish an article about your tour experience with Portugal Ceramics.

For more information, please contact:

Joana Almeida / Armanda Letra contact@portugal-ceramics.com

14-17 MARCH

We would like you to come and join us on this unique opportunity.

PORTUGAL CERAMICS PRESS TOUR