Analide Joaquim Correia do Carmo

Reviving coppersmithing in Loulé

• Analide started working with copper at the tender age of 11
• He was invited by Loulé Town Council to help revive the coppersmithing craft
• Loulé can hear the sound of beating copper again thanks to his work

Analide Joaquim Correia do Carmo comes from Loulé, a quaint city in southern Portugal with a rich heritage in hand hammered coppersmithing techniques. He learned the craft as a boy but left to work in a better paid cement industry. Thankfully the retired artisan gained a second youth when called back by the Loulé Town Council to help reignite his beloved craft. “It was like a dream, after 43 years without practising, I made a pan. Those who know never forget!" Apart from teaching, he makes and sells handmade copper pieces such as the traditional cataplana pot used for local cuisine. Today, coppersmiths are back in town and spreading the local heritage abroad by partnering in projects such as the Metal in Loulé Summer School developed by Michelangelo Foundation.

Interview

©Loulé Criativo

©Loulé Criativo

How does it feel to revive hammered copper and brass techniques?

I never thought I would have the chance to return to this craft. I was nervous when I made my first “tacho” pan after so many years, but my hands just know what to do. I knew then I had a responsibility to bring back the sound of copper hammering to Loulé.

What is one of your favourite copper objects?

The cataplana pot used in our local cooking. It is made of two concave parts connected by a hinge, which closes with two lateral latches. Once sealed inside, the food is cooked hermetically by steaming slowly at low temperatures giving it a unique flavour.

What are the various production stages of a copper piece?

The metal foil is moulded initially to get the shape. The piece is then beaten on a wooden mallet and burned at each new moulding stage. Most people don’t realise this part. All the dirt caused by the burning and tinning process is removed by sanding.

How do you see the future of coppersmithing?

Much more positively than before. Thanks to the Loulé Criativo project we are able to create and sell our pieces while teaching younger artisans the rich coppersmithing techniques. I tell young people to come here, learn and take the craft with you forever.

Analide Joaquim Correia do Carmo is a master artisan: he began his career in 1960 and he started teaching in 2015

Works

©Quick Time Photo

©Quick Time Photo

©Michelangelo Foundation

Where