Masters of Black Clay: Joaquim Alvelos and José Maria Rodrigues

The folds and twists of the Serra de Montemuro, a place of ancient secrets, once housed an old community of potters that has survived to this day. Nestled between the Douro and Paiva rivers, it was the birthplace of countless hands that worked the low wheel. In its hills, with heavy mauls and pounding tools, the wet clay was struck. The ground, dotted with soenga holes like the entrances to ant nests, where smoke and clay merged, resulting in black clay. In this setting, separated by almost 15 years, José Maria Rodrigues (1906) and Joaquim Alvelos (1920) were born. They began their professional lives as children – times were different – learning the craft from their parents. The shift in consumer paradigms led them to innovate, moving from pottery to figurines. Although they never completely abandoned pottery, they became known for their figurines. This led them to travel across the country, participating in numerous craft fairs. The persistence of the memory embedded in the creations of both artists brings a forgotten universe into the light of today. The exhibition, Masters of Black Clay - Joaquim Alvelos and José Maria Rodrigues, introduces us to the works of these two remarkable and final artists of Viseu ceramics.