Lab2PT is an institutional partner of the documentary exhibition “ENSABOARQ. The soap-making tradition in the district of Porto. Documentary journeys through the ADP’s archives”, which is being held at Arquivo Distrital do Porto, with the opening taking place on 14 May at 2 pm.

Much more than a simple everyday product, soap reflects centuries of economic, social and cultural transformations. Drawing on the documentation preserved at the ADP, the documentary exhibition offers a journey through the history of this industry, from the 16th to the 20th century. Running from 14 May to 31 July, the exhibition highlights the informative potential of the ADP’s collections and invites visitors to discover a sector that has profoundly shaped the region and its economic dynamics.

The opening session, which marks the official opening of the documentary exhibition, includes a conference, starting at 2 pm, with interventions from various experts on topics such as public health, advertising, industry, and the social impact of soap production:

• “Public Health and Hygiene in Portugal (19th–20th centuries)” – Alexandra Esteves (University of Minho, Lab2PT/IN2PAST)
• “Caldevilla Soap Advertising (1914–1951)” – Eduardo Cintra Torres (Portuguese Catholic University)
• “ADP Sources for the History of Industry in Porto” – Gaspar Martins Pereira (University of Porto)
• “Ach. Brito: where time preserves identity and fosters innovation” – Sónia Couto (Independent Researcher)
• “Soap that washes, soap that pollutes – Unhealthiness and social conflict caused by the soap industry” – Tânia Ferreira (University of Minho, Lab2PT/IN2PAST)

Please confirm your attendance/registration via this link.

The documentary exhibition is open from Monday to Friday, from 9.30 am to 4 pm.

Free admission.