Since 14th century, the Portuguese sidewalk is a unique urban art expression combining work and popular art into a strategic asset revealing an originality that we must preserve and export under Portugal brand.
Each piece of pavement is unique, not only for the figurative motifs used, but also for the mastery of the craftsman who sculpts and sets the rough stone. A stone that fits in the palm of our hand. Each of them is unique and sculpted to shape into the designs that appear at our feet. There, on the floor, there is a heart!
Just as Portuguese sidewalk stones symbolize Portuguese art, the Made in Portugal reference is also present in high quality manufactured products, appreciated and recognized internationally. Therefore, it is also an expression of our culture. Here, through a different perspective, a range of unique and unexpected products originated, designed and signed by Cristina Lobo. This is, Portugal!
: I attend to freedom with the material I receive.
Even looking down, I contemplate the stones that reflect the colors, the sky and its brightness :
The Portuguese pavement is traditionally used in pedestrian areas such as sidewalks and squares, consisting of black and white limestone small blocks. Applied and worked manually, these blocks allow the creation of the most diverse patterns, mostly geometric, through a game of colors and symmetries that transforms the floors into works of art.
The Portuguese pavement was driven by Castelo de São Jorge’s governor of arms, in Lisbon (1840-1846), Lieutenant-General Eusébio Cândido Furtado, who transformed the fortress and its surroundings into promenades, giving to the castle’s prisoners (by the time known as "guilhetas") the task of paving the floors. It was a highly praised work which drove the Portuguese pavement expansion around the city. The result is at our feet.
Although the beginning of the Lisbon streets paving has been marked by the royal letters signed by King D. Manuel I on August 20, 1498 and in May 1500, its history is more interesting than you can imagine. It is one of the Portuguese culture symbols with representation in many parts of the world. Therefore, we suggest some research about the Portuguese pavement history.
cristinalobo@cristinaloboportugal.pt
mafaldalobo@cristinaloboportugal.pt
anagoncalves@cristinaloboportugal.pt
+351 96 456 84 47
Lisboa - Portugal
