The importance of technological knowledge for the valorization of azulejo heritage

Abstract

In this article considerations regarding the importance of recovering and protecting the knowledge of azulejo production techniques are elaborated. A tentative overview of the Portuguese azulejo production system is made. The method of knowledge transfer through oral dissemination and learning “by observing and executing/imitating” is noted. A comparison is made with the Dutch case, where a larger amount of tangible historic information exists – namely technical treatises and potter’s books - describing the materials, recipes and techniques used for historical tile production. The preservation of this knowledge has allowed potteries (such as Makkum and Harlingen) to continue to use similar raw materials and techniques. This has highlighted the need to create sources of information to contribute to the research and preservation of knowledge regarding Portuguese azulejo production techniques. The physical-chemical characterization of azulejos enables us to draw information about raw materials and production methods. The possibility of gathering information from contemporary azulejo artisans has also been suggested, namely those related to workshops and factories. Above all, the article will explore the technical knowledge of azulejo production as an important intangible cultural value in the construction/development of azulejo as Heritage.