The Beauty of Vista Alegre
When it comes to beautiful porcelain, no one has mastered the art quite like Vista Alegre!
Found on the tables of royal figures. At Presidents’ houses (including the White House). And many embassies and institutions, both public and private, worldwide. Since its inception by José Ferreira Pinto Basto in 1824, Vista Alegre has been creating the finest quality and most exquisitely decorated porcelain tableware, decorative pieces, giftware, hotelware, high-quality glass and crystal, and 18/10 stainless steel cutlery.
So, read on to discover the beauty of Vista Alegre, and their most recent collaboration with our publisher, KOKET, and online home decor boutique My Object of Desire!
The Story of Vista Alegre
Portugal has become a country known for beautifully crafted products. When it comes to porcelain, Vista Alegre is the country’s first factory dedicated to producing the art. Today the brand’s success is rooted in the persistence and business acumen of its founder José Ferreira Pinto Basto. “A landowner, audacious merchant, and distinguished figure in Portuguese society at the time,” says the brand’s site of José.
In 1812, José acquired a farm near the town of Ílhavo. Then a chapel by the name of Vista Alegre in 2016, followed by the surrounding grounds. It was here he would build the brand’s factory in 1824 with a Royal License from King João VI. His request—to “build a large earthenware, porcelain, glassware, and chemical processing factory, for all his sons, as stakeholders on an equal basis, on his Farm, named Vista-Alegre da Ermida.”
Success was quick for José Ferreira Pinto Basto who a mere five years after opening his doors received the title of Royal Factory in recognition of its artistry and industrial success. Qualities that gracefully carried the brand through the ups and downs of the past almost 200 years to its powerful place in the world of porcelain artistry today.
Craftsmanship & Artisty
Through state-of-the-art production techniques and hand painters responsible for decorating the pieces produced, the brand holds craftsmanship and artistry of the utmost importance. Adding to its creative appeal, the company also produces made-to-order, personalized pieces. Further, countless hotel brands adore Vista Alegre for its high-quality porcelain and ability to create limited-edition designs.
In celebration of the brand’s artistry, the Vista Alegre Museum opened in 1964. Then, in honor of their trade, in 1985, the company opened the Vista Alegre Art and Development Centre – CADE. An organization dedicated to encouraging creativity. Further, that same year, The Collectors Club started. Limited to 2,500 members at the time, it is clear Vista Alegre’s artistic allure is a powerful thing.
Design for All Tastes
With a “rigorousness, sophistication and versatility as its core,” the brand masterfully combines tradition and modernity. By offering products in a wide variety of styles, from classical to contemporary and trending it appeals to a wide range of consumers.
Adding to the brand offering, in 2001 the company merged with Atlantis crystal. Because of course, the chicest table setting has crystal alongside its porcelain! Known for its traditional Portuguese glassworking techniques and exquisite handmade lead crystal, Atlantis made a perfect match.
Collaborations
As in all true art, the artist behind the design is a key element. So it comes as no surprise the brand loves to partner with prestigious international designers to bring its beautiful forms to new heights. Collaborations with top names such as Carsten Gollnick, Sam Baron, Karim Rashid, Joana Vasconcelos, Roberto Chichorro, and Christian Lacroix, amongst many others, fill the company’s portfolio.
Beyond product designs, the brand is constantly seeking new artistic collaborations. Most recently it partnered with our publisher, KOKET for an exhibition at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair – ICFF 2022. Set in New York City, Vista Alegre’s stunning AMAZŌNIA collection brought an exotic flair to KOKET’s iconic home decor.
Furthering the collaborative spirit it is important to note that the AMAZŌNIA collection design is inspired by the book “Viagens Philosophicas” (philosophical voyages) by the naturalist Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira, as well as by the fauna, flora and people of today’s Amazōnia. The multi-award winning design was developed in partnership with rainforest preservation change leader ECOARTS Amazonia.
Words by Ana Lage
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