Originally brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors who learnt their skills from the Persians, they were introduced into Portugal from Spain by King Manuel 1. After seeing the Ahambra in Granada he had tiles imported from Sevill in 1503 for use in his Palace in Sintra.
Wherever you go in Portugal you will see Azulejos, a riot of wonderful decorative tiles. They adorn a multitude of buildings in all different designs and colors
Blue tiles, is the literal translation, and blue IS a predominant color. But the
centuries old enamel tiles art created roots in portuguese culture by blooming into
all colors of the rainbow and into all walks and venues of life: churches, monastaries,
streets, restaurants and coffee-
They became an art form and by the 18th Century the Portuguese were the leaders in Europe for the quantity and diversity of tiles it produced.
The more complicated the design the higher the price, however you can get without obligation an estimate, and a black and white line drawing to see what the finished object will look like before committing yourself to a big spend. There is still the other alternative of buying a ready made panel from a shop studio or garden centre from a display or catalogue
MORE ABOUT AZULEJOS at www.azulejos.co.uk
A modern studio in Pombal www.oficinaceramica.com