Fernando Gonçalves was born in Vila Cova de Alva (Arganil) and has lived in the Algarve for over two decades. In Algoz, he runs his cobbler’s shop, where he specializes in shoe repair and the handcrafted production of footwear.
With a degree in Civil Engineering, it was the shift brought about by the economic crisis that led him to return to an ancient craft, rediscovering in his grandfather’s trade a legacy that had always been a part of him.
He learned from master shoemakers in Trás-os-Montes and Loulé, mastering the techniques, rhythms, and materials that give shape to handcrafted footwear.
He has dedicated himself to the shoemaking trade for over a decade, combining technique, precision, and knowledge of materials. This is the profession he chose, transforming leather into memory and form, and sharing his knowledge through training workshops in the Algarve, contributing to the transmission and appreciation of this craftsmanship.