The Art of the Azulejo: Half-Day Workshop & Lunch

This year, for the very first time, the historic Porches Pottery will be running workshops. Steep yourself in the history and culture of local landmark and create your own souvenir to take home.

Experience an immersive, half-day tile painting workshop with the expert artisans at Porches Pottery. In an intimate group setting, you will learn the practical fundamentals and the cultural history of one of Portugal’s most iconic art-forms, directly from one of its most famous producers. Work with us, learn the basics of painting on glaze, enjoy refreshments and a light-lunch included. Your very own tiles will be ready to collect by the end of the week.

We will be hosting the workshop every Wednesday from 9:30 until 12:30, followed by an included lunch in the café.

The workshop will include:

• A guided tour of the pottery.
• Visit all areas of our production, our painting studio, our glazing room, our kilns as well as our gardens and tile murals with your expert guide.
• As you explore our space, receive an explanation of the majolica technique get a little history of our pottery and of Portuguese azulejo culture.
• Hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of painting majolica tiles or 'azulejos' in a private space on our garden terrace. Your tutor will demonstrate the techniques, and guide you towards your own first attempts. 
  
• Nothing left to do but paint your own tiles! Be forewarned, it isn’t as easy as our painter’s make it look!
• Your tile will be ready to collect on Friday afternoon. Kiln-gods allowing.
• Reflect on your new-found skills and talents over a light lunch on our garden terrace.

All of this is included in your workshop!

What’s included at a glance?

• A guided tour.
• Painting instruction in a small group setting.
• Two tiles for you to paint and for collection on a later date.
  
• Lunch in our café, choose an open toast or soup and salad combo with a home-made beverage of your choice.