Ofícios e pequena indústria em Penafiel

Latoeiros/Funileiros

Abstract

The Municipal Museum of Penafiel recently implemented an experience to stimulate the traditional
crafts. It revealed that the tinsmith craft-deeply rooted in the city and district since the end of
the 18th century-is at risk of vanishing, since only one professional craftsman remains, already
retired. Such urgency led us to seek to document the activity, namely in the municipality, in order
to construct a reading of this historical path, focusing on working dynamics and transmission of
traditional skills, from the 18th century guilds to the Estado Novo (1933-1974). The last tinker and
the memories of other craftsmen who learnt the trade in their youth and practiced it for many years,
allowed access to working practices, technical means, models and needs and preferences of the
clientele. These were considered under the relevant social and chronological context.