Unique to southern Portugal and admired for more than half-a-century, just a few tiled panels remain. Strategically placed on buildings in Olhão, São Brás, Boliqueime and Portimão, the ceramic images advertise Schweppes carbonated water.
With more longevity than a paper poster this must surely be one of the longest ever running advertising campaigns!
The image can now be seen at Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne – photographed by Gillian Campbell. It has been perfectly reproduced as a high resolution giclee print.
The pioneer of fizzy drinks, Jacob Schweppe discovered a process of carbonating water as early as 1783. The company’s profile expanded in the 1920s when William Barribal, an art deco designer of high repute, became involved in producing images to market the Schweppes brand.
His work, including classic railway posters for the London and North Eastern Line, his cigarette and playing cards, are now collectors’ pieces.
In keeping with the tradition of Portuguese ceramics, the tiled advertisement does as much to promote the Algarve as “shhh – you know who?”
Since the panels cannot be chiseled from a wall, the owners of Galeria Côrte-Real offer a photographic replica!
The main gallery is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne.
It is open Thursday to Sunday from 11am until 5pm. Visit also Côrte- Real’s pop-up gallery located above the estate agents Fine & Country in Carvoeiro.
912 737 762 | [email protected] | www.corterealarte.com
By CAROLYN KAIN
Photo: Classic advertising as promoted by Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne.
