Re-imagining traditional patterns
Isilda Parente founded her atelier in 1985 dedicated to Viana do Castelo embroidery. Traditionally, blue or red cotton threads were used to embroider patterns, such as leaves, flowers and hearts, on white cloth for clothes and tablecloths. Isilda pursued this rich heritage by mastering the traditional stitches and patterns while also introducing new colours, textures and modern designs. She received the Citizen of Merit award by the city council for her valuable contribution to revitalising the local craft of this Northern Portuguese city.
Today, the atelier includes her two sons and daughter-in-law, ensuring the continuity of a lifetime’s work. All Isilda Parente handmade embroideries are certified by Portugal’s Adere-CERTIFICADA and have won multiple national awards. Their tablecloths can be seen at the President of Portugal’s residency during receptions and have also been featured in Japanese and Brazilian TV programmes, showing the international appreciation for the artistic beauty of this local embroidery rarely found in other parts of Europe.
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Isilda Parente
