The Vista Alegre Museum, opened in 1964, boasts a collection of pieces that bear witness to the long and rich history of the company. Collaboration with contemporary artists also became increasingly frequent. On the other hand, the company’s highly specialised manufacturing activities, based on the know-how of its artisans and on its centenarian traditions, allowed the Factory to maintain its leading position amongst the most prestigious European manufacturers.īetween 19, increased exports, installation of new equipment, increased focus on training of specialised technicians and cooperation with European peers led to a marked technical development, which allowed the company to expand its business to new markets.Ī tradition of producing exclusive pieces was started, of which a dinner set produced for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a prime example. Industrial restructuring allowed the company to increase profitability and its ability to meet increasing demand and face market globalisation challenges. This successful period would be consolidated in the following decades. Modern styles, such as Art Deco and Functionalism, revealed the company’s ability to adapt to the social and aesthetic changes that characterised the beginning of the 20th century. Industrial development and business growth were accompanied by an artistic revival. The company would enter a recovery period with the appointment of João Theodoro Ferreira Pinto Basto as Deputy Director, in 1924.
These difficulties would persist until the beginning of the 20th century. The social crisis and political unrest felt over the entire country led to serious difficulties for the company, which were further aggravated by poor commercial management and a lack of defined artistic trends.
However, the turn of the century marked the start of a business downturn. Styles became simpler, acquiring lyrical and romantic undertones, and new mechanical decoration techniques were introduced. Greater industrial development was witnessed in the following years.
In 1852, a complete dinner set was produced for the Royal House, following a visit by King Fernando II to the Vista Alegre Factory. In 1867, the company achieved international recognition at the Paris Universal Exhibition. In 1851, Vista Alegre participated in the Universal Exhibition at Crystal Palace, in London. Additionally, the hiring of international master craftsmen with extensive experience in ceramics allowed the training of local artisans, who became highly qualified in porcelain production. Production also benefited from technological progress. Regular porcelain production between 18 led to significant improvements in the quality of porcelain and glass. In order to overcome difficulties related to porcelain production, Augusto Ferreira Pinto Basto, the founder’s son, visited the Sèvres Porcelain Factory in France, where he studied the composition of porcelain clay and acquired knowledge that would be crucial to the discovery of large kaolin deposits to the North of Ílhavo, in 1832. In 1880, Vista Alegre ceased its glassware production to focus exclusively on porcelain. The factory produced high-quality glassware, particularly pieces with relief decorations, engraved patterns and ornate borders, as well as delicately engraved medallions. The factory started by producing glassware and soapstone pottery, since the composition of porcelain clay was still unknown. A mere five years later, Vista Alegre gained the title of Royal Factory in recognition of its artistry and industrial success. On 1 July 1824, a Royal Licence issued by King João VI granted José Ferreira Pinto Basto authorisation to build the Vista Alegre Porcelain Factory. In 1824, José Ferreira Pinto Basto submitted a request to King João VI to “build a large earthenware, porcelain, glassware and chemical processing factory, for all his sons, as stakeholders on an equal basis, on his Farm, named Vista-Alegre da Ermida”.
In 1816, this entrepreneur acquired the Vista Alegre Chapel in a public auction, as well as the surrounding grounds, where he would later build the Vista Alegre Factory. José Ferreira Pinto Basto started by acquiring the Ermida Farm, located near the town of Ílhavo, by the Aveiro Stream, in 1812.
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A landowner, audacious merchant and distinguished figure in Portuguese society at the time, José Ferreira Pinto Basto wisely adopted the liberal ideas of the 19th century, having become “the first example of free initiative” in Portugal. The persistence of its founder, José Ferreira Pinto Basto, was determining to the launching and success of this daring enterprise. Founded in 1824, the Vista Alegre Porcelain Factory was the first industrial unit dedicated to producing porcelain in Portugal.
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