Memories of the production of Azulejo at the Constância Ceramic Factory

Abstract

This article discusses the craftsmanship involved in the tasks associated with the production/creation of azulejo. In this article the socio-technical memory of those who made them is therefore specially considered. The verbal testimonies of former workers of the Constância Factory – that was located in Lisbon and operated between 1836 and 2001 – are the empirical references that support the reflection throughout this article. This work dwells upon: (1) the interest in studying the azulejo production from the socio-technical perspective; (2) the activity of the Constância Factory regarding the production of azulejo; (3) and the learning, expertise and flexibility that the technical/creative processes and specialities involve.