Shopper’s Diary: Portuguese Craft, Contemporary and Traditional, at Depozito in Lisbon
“We believe objects can tell extraordinary and revealing stories. About a people and its particular taste, about a society and its context, about a history which is, after all, a common identity,” writes Catarina Portas. A Vida Portuguesa, the Lisbon and Puerto emporium she founded, showcases “genuine and touching products of Portuguese creation.” The offerings range from household tools to textiles, from the very humble to the elaborate, and also, of late, from the traditional to the contemporary.
The latter is showcased in A Vida Portuguesa’s newest store in Lisbon, Depozito, founded in partnership with Portugal Manual, a collective of contemporary Portuguese artisans and artists. Says Portas, “Depozito is a celebration of tradition and its reinvention.” Join us for a look around.
Photography courtesy of Depozito (@avidaportuguesa).
Above: Like all of A Vida’s Portuguesa’s five locations—four in Lisbon and one in Porto—Depozito is housed in a preserved old industrial space. This one is a 400-square-meter former warehouse “fundada en 1913,” as front tile mural says.
Above: Contemporary prints and ceramics are displayed alongside products that have been made the same way for generations. The shelves display the work of Portuguese contemporary ceramic artists Clementin Atelier, Não Sou Rita, hOmem, and Vicara.
Above: A general store-style display of herringbone scarves, cotton throws, and multi-colored blankets. The latter were traditionally used to keep shepherd’s warm in the field; these are made in the small town of Minde from 100 percent cotton.A Vida Portuguesa recently had its first US debut at two MoMA Design Store pop-up boutiques in NYC, and many of the goods are still available at marked-down prices online at MoMA Design Store.
Above: Depozito’s brightly colored straw bags are made by Toino Abel, a new brand that “combines the best of traditional know-how with special taste, care, and attention to detail.” The wooden figure is one of 25 that are “meticulous reissues of the famous TOM Dolls” created by Thomaz de Mello in the 1960s representing people from different parts of Portugal. This is the TOM Reedition Doll Alentejo 12. See other TOM Wooden Figures and a video of Portas talking about them at the MoMa Design Store.
Above: “More than a commercial area, it is intended that this space becomes a privileged place for research, debates, and workshops to promote the best of Portugal’s craftsmanship,” writes Portas. The perforated metal circles are Toasters, €4.40, for use on gas stoves.
Above: Dipped-rim ceramic tableware is handcrafted in the Leiria region. The full collection is only available at Depozito and A Vida Portuguese stores, but A Vida Portuguesa Dipped Rim Ceramic Bowls in various sizes are currently on sale starting at $3.95 from the MoMA Design Store.
Above: “Traditional Portuguese pottery has maintained the same distinct aesthetic throughout centuries of production thanks to small family-owned factories that are passed down through generations,” explains Portas. The redware on display here includes Clay Heart Plates; €4.90.
Above: Traditional Portuguese farmhouse-style pine Heart Chairs in Depozito’s poster gallery.
Above: Rugs and runners woven from scrap fabric: an inspired example of upcycling. Alma means “soul.”
Above: The Depozito café.Depozito is R. Nova do Desterro 21 in Lisbon. Go to A Vida Portuguesa for other store locations.
Traveling to Portugal? Go to the Remodelista Design Travel archive for more ideas, including:
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