Respuestas
Respuesta: Founded in 1824, the Vista Alegre Porcelain Factory was the first industrial unit dedicated to producing porcelain in Portugal. The persistence of its founder, José Ferreira Pinto Basto, was determining to the launching and success of this daring enterprise. A landowner, audacious merchant and distinguished figure in Portuguese society at the time, José Ferreira Pinto Basto wisely adopted the liberal ideas of the 19th century, having become “the first example of free initiative” in Portugal.
José Ferreira Pinto Basto started by acquiring the Ermida Farm, located near the town of Ílhavo, by the Aveiro Stream, in 1812. In 1816, this entrepreneur acquired the Vista Alegre Chapel in a public auction, as well as the surrounding grounds, where he would later build the Vista Alegre Factory.
In 1824, José Ferreira Pinto Basto submitted a request to King João VI to “build a large earthenware, porcelain, glassware and chemical processing factory, for all his sons, as stakeholders on an equal basis, on his Farm, named Vista-Alegre da Ermida”.
On 1 July 1824, a Royal Licence issued by King João VI granted José Ferreira Pinto Basto authorisation to build the Vista Alegre Porcelain Factory. A mere five years later, Vista Alegre gained the title of Royal Factory in recognition of its artistry and industrial success.