IN LOVE WITH LISBON

I just had to post this wonderful picture I came across at Flickr last week. The sculpture is by Robert Indiana who is famous for creating pop art which often features short words or numbers. I hadn’t heard of him before seeing this picture but now I am quite entranced by his work.

According to the reading I have done about him, his LOVE design is what he is most known for. The love scultures have appeared across the world and even featured on US post stamps. There seems to be much discussion about the meaning behind the design but personally I like to see the beauty of the word itself.

LOVE

Just LOVE

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it.

Picture from Capitu on Flickr

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Today I was sent some information by ‘Walks on the Arts Side’; a company in Lisbon who offer themed guided walks in Lisbon focused around the beautiful Azulejos (tiles) that are an iconic feature of Portuguese buildings. I haven’t been on one of these walks yet myself so I cannot offer a personal review of them. However, after taking a look at their website, I thought many of you would be interested.

Below is the information sheet they sent me and there is also a link to download the flyer. I adore azulejos so I could imagine really enjoying one their walks and I do hope to join in on one of my next visits. If any of you have been on a Walk on the Arts Side, please feel free to let others know what you think in the comments below.

Information
For 5 centuries the Azulejos (ceramic tiles) have mirrored Portugal´s multicultural dialogue and the evolution of its own society – from the Islamic wisdom through the Renaissance spirit and the Portuguese discoveries to the “great production” of the XVIII century and the eclectic XIX and XX centuries.

We do guided tours of Lisbon’s (and Portugal’s) most extraordinary examples of a unique heritage  – the ‘Azulejos’ -  and comment on their art and history, styles, techniques and major influences from the 16th to 20th century.
The walks take place in central Lisbon and in the Belém district (in partnership with one of Europe’s oldest tile factories) lasting approx. 3hours.

Regular tours (central Lisbon):
The Chiado-Bairro Alto Tour
From the Ribeira to the Janelas Verdes
Taste of the Art: From the Pastéis de Belém to the Fábrica Sant’Anna

Other tailor-made THEMED TOURS include:
• Hispano-Moorish, Dutch Imports, The Baroque Grandeur
• The 17th’s century “Freedom of Expression”
• GUIDED TOURS of the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (NATIONAL TILE MUSEUM)
• Tile Painting Workshops
• The 17th century Convents
• The Rococo Gardens

Click here to download the flyer
Full details including times, prices, walks available and guides are all on their website