A PRIMEIRA VISITA

Foi ontem à Feitoria Inglesa, e correu muito bem. Obrigado à Olga Lacerda, gerente da Feitoria, por nos receber tão atenciosamente. E a todos os que se inscreveram e vieram!

THE BRITISH FACTORY, PORTO

The British Factory in Porto, Portugal, has a long history which can be researched anywhere online. What matters to us here is that it is a beautiful surviving example of British Palladianism in Portugal, brought about by a centuries-old trade agreement and the Port wine business between the two countries. It has jib windows, a cantilevered stone staircase, numerous examples of Georgian furniture (most built in Portugal after English examples) and of course the perfectly proportioned facades, of which a great model exists inside.
We are visiting this building in two days - Wednesday the 28th. There are no more vacancies, unfortunately, but shoot us an email and we'll let you know when the next tour comes up!

FULLY BOOKED

As visitas privadas ao Porto estão lotadas, nalguns casos com o triplo de inscritos em relação aos lugares disponíveis. Estamos contentes pela adesão e vamos continuar a organizar mais, para que toda a gente possa ir. Entretanto, contactem-nos ou "gostem-nos" na página do Facebook para serem os primeiros a receber novidades. Quem está em lista de espera terá prioridade para as próximas visitas!

STAIR HALL

 

Palacete Pinto Leite, Porto

ERNEST KORRODI - HOUSE IN LEIRIA - I

This is the first of three posts by the Swiss architect, Ernest Korrodi (1870-1944), author of more than 400 buildings all over Portugal. In Leiria, the city where he lived and worked, he was the author of many residences and public buildings. Among his work in Leiria is the creative restoration of the Castle, which is controversial still today. Other important works in the city are the Town Hall and the Bank of Portugal building. The pictures above show the stair and atrium of the residential building Marques da Cruz, built in the 1920s and located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira.

THE BISHOP'S HOUSE

The Episcopal Palace is one of the oldest and probably the grandest of manor houses in Porto. Located next to the Cathedral, up on the hill of the original settlement of the city, it was transformed, enlarged and revamped throughout the centuries. The facades were given a hand by Nasoni, the city's adopted 18th c. Italian architect. The Entry Hall and Stair carry through some exterior elements, but the stair is already revealing of late 19th c. carving and ornament, done in a much more precise and mechanical fashion. The space is breathtaking and is well worth a visit - coming up March 31, 2012, at 10:00 AM!

THE RECTORATE, PORTO

The current house of the Rectorate of the University of Porto has had many uses but has always been linked to Academia. A great Palladian NeoClassical pile in concept, most of the detailing is already the cruder, bolder, machine-made stuff we see all around 19th c. Porto. It houses several museums and an old archival library. Designed by an engineer, it has many flights of fancy such as a grand stone cantilevered step stair in the back, cornered courtyards, public arcades which are fully encloseable in wrought iron grates, a large lantern above the stairs, etc.
We are visiting this monumental complex on March 31st, 2012 - places are still available, but going fast! Drop us a line at oldportuguesestuff@gmail.com or the phone number +351 222 080 958.

VISITAS - UPDATE

Com a lista de marcações a encher depressa, cabe aqui fazer um esclarecimento: as horas para visitar o Paço Episcopal e a Reitoria estão coordenadas de modo a poderem ver-se ambas. A visita ao Paço, tal como descrito na apresentação, é ao átrio principal e à escadaria, espreitando a Sala dos Espelhos. Como tal há tempo para a seguir continuar com a visita à Reitoria da U.P.
Até breve!

APPETIZER FOR THE END OF THE MONTH

The British Factory - Feitoria Inglesa

Grand Staircase, Rectorate of the University - Escadaria da Reitoria da UP

The Bishop's Palace seen from the Seminary - O Paço Episcopal visto do Seminário

SLATE WALL TEXTURE

A side wall in a private House, Porto, covered in slate tiles.

ON SITE - AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

60's tiles, Aveiro.