Esparto Grass Studio

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Description

The esparto is a herbaceous plant that grows spontaneously in the Algarve’s Barrocal, and has been used since time immemorial to produce ropes, rugs, carrycots and a variety of utensils used in agriculture and fishing. In the past it played an important role in the socio-economic life of the interior of the municipality of Loulé (especially in the parish of Alte) but currently it does not have much expression in the region. Casa do Esparto appears to counteract this situation, intending to revitalize this art.

The space includes the master artisans Maria José Ramos, Manuela Limas, Aldegundes Gomes and Fernanda Martins and the artisan Isidoro Ramos.

The space works as a workplace and shop, where it is possible to meet the artisans, purchase their work and attend courses and workshops about this vegetable fiber.

This is an initiative of the Municipality of Loulé, with the support of the Parish Council of Alte.

Contacts

Loulé Criativo – 289400829 (call to the national fixed network) / loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt
Elsa Silva – 914873515 – call to national mobile network
Carla Ferreirinha – 967608039 – call to national mobile network

Address

Beco da Escola Primária, Sarnadas, Alte

GPS Location

Latitude: 37.26834653905217
Longitude: -8.150884619758248

Schedule

Monday to Friday: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm / 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Phone

289 400 829

Chamada para a Rede Fixa Nacional

Email

loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt

Artisans

Isidoro Ramos

Born in Paderne, Isidoro Ramos grew up watching his mother and grandmother working on esparto work, an art that has always fascinated him. Although he started late, his dedication has already earned him participation as a master craftsman in courses and artistic residencies.

Isidoro Ramos

Aldegundes Gomes

Born in Sarnadas, Aldegundes Gomes remains active and full of memories, despite its many springs. The esparto grass assumed a role of great importance throughout her life and today she is the most experienced of the artisans of Casa do Esparto.

Aldegundes Gomes

Maria José Ramos

Born in Sarnadas, Maria José Ramos had her first contact with esparto at the age of 14. She was away from the profession for almost half a century, but returned full of enthusiasm to join Casa do Esparto.

Maria José Ramos

Manuela Limas

Born in Penina, Manuela Limas helped, since she was a child, her grandmother to step on the esparto water, without knowing what it was for. Marriage and the move to the Sarnadas introduced her to the trade. After years away, she returned with the Casa do Esparto project.

Manuela Limas

Fernanda Martins

Fernanda Martins was born and has always lived in Sarnadas, parish of Alte. At the age of 20 he started in handicrafts and today he masters the art of esparto music. She is one of the artisans of Casa do Esparto.

Fernanda Martins

Videos

Video

Audios

Audioguide "Esparto Grass Studio"

Documents

Folheto "Valorizar a Cultura e a Identidade Local"

Folheto "Rede de Oficinas"