The territory of Reguengos de Monsaraz, especially the town of São Pedro do Corval, is widely recognized for its long tradition in the art of pottery. This is one of the oldest and most emblematic craft activities in this region of Alentejo. São Pedro do Corval is considered one of the largest pottery centers in the Iberian Peninsula. The pottery tradition in the locality has existed for several centuries, with archaeological finds dating back to the Romanesque period standing out. Although fewer in number compared to the past, some potteries still remain active in this parish, which, using traditional techniques, produce utilitarian and decorative pieces. In this way, pottery is deeply rooted in local history, culture and economy, and adds a relevant legacy to the national pottery identity.

The pottery part and the relevance of olive oil and wine production in the region stand out for their quality that is recognized worldwide. Given the primary function of pottery utensils, the relationship between them and the region’s gastronomic heritage is evident. However, the operational function that pottery objects occupied in Portuguese homes until the 1970s. XX is different from its current positioning, which is oriented towards a decorative function. However, the exploration of these elements and characteristics emerges as a possibility for design exploration, where cultural heritage, plastic, productive and iconographic dimensions, together with the gastronomic legacy and current positioning of these regional products, can promote initiatives where design contributes as an agent of cultural, economic and social dynamism.

 

This project results from the interaction between the Universities of Minho, Porto and Aveiro with artisan communities, namely the potters of S. Pedro de Corval, based on a practical exercise by design students in a real context.
In this sense, involvement with the Monsaraz Open Museum, as a possibility of getting closer to the territory, allows a dialogue between pottery activity and a creative response to local challenges, to stimulate solutions that allow for the mitigation of desertification. On the other hand, from a local economy perspective, the bringing together of different social actors, be they the Chamber, the agricultural industry, tourism, artisans and society in general are called upon in their interaction to create more sustainable solutions. and humanists.

 

Under the scientific coordination and guidance of Professors Bernardo Providência from the University of Minho, João Sampaio from the University of Aveiro and Lígia Lopes from the University of Porto, between the 15th and 19th of July, the Casa do Barro in São Pedro do Corval hosted the Workshop that brought together design students from the three Universities, in a program that allowed interaction with local potteries, the Monsaraz Open Museum and a visit program.

At 11 am the doors opened daily to the general public to share the work in progress, with the “Exhibition of Portuguese Design through the plurality of objects”, curated by Daniel Vieira (Lab2PT) and Bernardo Providência (Lab2PT), and Lectures were held by experts, such as Álbio Nascimento from “The home Project design Studio” and Ana Andrade from the “O imaginario” Laboratory, UFPE, Brazil, who presented models of interaction with the arts and crafts of Portugal and Brazil.