In northern Portugal, slate mining in Valongo and the filigree tradition in Gondomar represent two distinct ways of transforming materials, both deeply rooted in the same region. From the stone extracted from the earth to the delicate, hand-shaped gold wires, both crafts reveal technical expertise in which every gesture requires time, precision, and absolute mastery of the material.
It was through this relationship that the dialogue with Carlos Mello emerged. The collection brings together the strength of slate with the delicacy of filigree, revealing unexpected affinities between two seemingly distinct processes, united by precision of craft, the transformation of material, and the value of artisanal expertise.
Curated and produced by Olivah, the collection traces the material’s journey from its origin to the final object. Slate, supplied and processed by Empresa das Lousas de Valongo, S.A., meets filigree crafted by master artisan António Oliveira Cardoso, bringing together two forms of craftsmanship deeply rooted in northern Portugal and translating them into a contemporary language.
The collection reveals that the true value of a material lies not only in its origin, but also in the knowledge, precision, and time required to transform it.
A creation promoted by ASSIMAGRA, with funding from the PRR under the Sustainable Stone by Portugal Green Agenda.
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