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Known as one of the most prestigious porcelain brands in the world, Vista Alegre Factory was created by José Ferreira Pinto Basto early in the 19th century to produce porcelain, glass and chemical processes.
In 1812, Basto bought the Ermida Farm, situated in Ílhavo, near the Aveiro Lagoon. It was a land full of minerals, clay and white sand, which were essential to produce ceramics, and, shortly after, he bought all the surrounding areas. Among them was Vista Alegre Farm where there was a palace, a chapel and several buildings and it was here that Pinto Basto built his porcelain factory. In 1824, King John VI granted it a royal warrant and five months later, it received the title of Vista Alegre Royal Factory.
To visit Vista Alegre Factory is to enter a world which keeps the secrets of a century old of the most international Portuguese porcelain manufacturing process. Go through this space and follow the entire creation process of some of the most emblematic Portuguese porcelain pieces from the dough composition until the final boiling.
Discover the painting school which, throughout the factory’s history has been essential both in training young artists and preserving a tradition of excellence.
At the manufacturing area, discover the reason why hand-painting exceptionally distinguishes Vista Alegre, as this is one of the few industries which still keeps a specialized and qualified labour force especially for the production of prestige pieces. Along with the excellence of brush painting, you will also see the technological advances in the factory’s production, a tendency which was decisive since late 19th century to keep Vista Alegre at the forefront of porcelain production and design.
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