Artur Pastor - Lisboa, liberty, and colour of 1970s and 1980s
The colour, spread across the city, was a joyful harbinger of the recent democracy, marking a new period in Lisbon's history.
Motorway access to 25 de abril Bridge
The Lisboa light projected from Tejo (Tagus) River illuminates the 25 de abril Bridge, at a time when crossing this bridge was still novelty. The Cristo-Rei (Christ The Redeemer) monument blesses the devout catholic population, at a time when excursions of people from various parts of the country travelled to visit the monument.
Águas Livres Aqueduct (1970/1979) by Artur PastorLisboa Municipal Archive
Águas Livres Aqueduct
The imposing Águas Livres (free waters) Aqueduct, an innovative work of King João V reign (18th century), then expanded in the 19th century, supplied water from the Sintra area to the lisbon population that was eager for modernisation.
The city's street markets, illuminated signs and posters scattered on the walls denoted a time of great change.
The Alvalade neighbourhood built for the middle class, expanded in the 1940s and 1950s with the construction of modern buildings and wide avenues The quarter of Roma and João XXI avenue’s was a place for young families that live in the surroundings, enlivening a new residential area. The statue of Santo António blesses the city, which pays homage to him with festivals and popular festivities every year, on june 13.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
The prestigious gardens of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, with its Museum and Library, honoured Lisboa, that became more european and on a pair with similar institutions, still being a must-visit place today.
Sagrado Coração de Jesus (Sacred heart of Jesus) Church
Located in Avenidas Novas, the Sagrado Coração de Jesus (Sacred heart of Jesus) Church, distinguished with Valmor Prize in 1975, was inaugurated in 1970. Designed by architects Nuno Portas e Nuno Teotónio Pereira it was built with a contemporary style and it represents a new approach in Lisboa’s architecture.
Castil Building (1980/1989) by Artur PastorLisboa Municipal Archive
Castil building
At the junction of Braamcamp and Castilho Streets on the way to Marquês de Pombal Square we come across the Castil building, an imposing construction in a city growing social and culturaly.
You can see the street vendors, the girls in mini skirts, the busy family women, the men wearing full suits carrying briefcases, the esplanades parasols spread colour through the streets, alongside the constant movement of cars.
Woman selling balloons (1980/1989) by Artur PastorLisboa Municipal Archive
Marquês de Pombal
The iconic monument of Marquês de Pombal, elevated and facing south with a wide view over the city, located on the square with the same name, contrasts with the occasional street vendor of coloured balloons, among the parked cars of middle class families, who had fun on a simple walk to Eduardo VII Park.
Cais das colunas and Comércio Square (1970/1979) by Artur PastorLisboa Municipal Archive
Praça do Comércio
Comércio (Commerce) Square and Cais das Colunas (Quay of Columns) are two symbolic places of Lisboa, which where scene of political events such as the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1957 or the 25 april Revolution. Nowadays are recreational and leisure places for residents or visitors.
At Campo de Santa Clara, the National Pantheon or Church of Santa Engrácia, built in 1568 and only completed in 1966, is located near Feira da Ladra (Thief Market -Lisboa’s Flea Market, open tuesday and saturday mornings). This second-hand market dates back to the 13th century, and sells vintage goods, handicrafts, clothes and shoes. The first location was at Chão da Feira Street near São Jorge Castle and remains in it’s present location since 1882.
Arraial in Alfama (1973) by Artur PastorLisboa Municipal Archive
Alfama
Every year, in june, traditional neighbourhoods are decorated with ribbons and other colourful ornaments chosen by the inhabitants to brighten the festivals throughout the city of Lisboa, which celebrate the Popular Saints (Santo António, São João, São Pedro) with music and entertainment.
In the period of freedom granted by the recent democracy, the city of Lisboa was pulsating with the vibrant colour of the 1970s and 1980s, constant bustle of people crossing the streets in a mixture of modernity and rurality.
Lisboa downtown is punctuated by the retail of shops and kiosks, on a modern scale and linear planning of the arteries that connect the blocks due to the shrewd work of the Marquês de Pombal team, who rebuilt the city after the 1755 earthquake.
Doks, panoramic view (1980/1989) by Artur PastorLisboa Municipal Archive
Port of Lisboa
In the 1970s and 1980s the Port of Lisboa had a regular activity of people and goods. The maritime transport was used for transatlantic voyages and commercial transactions were frequent.
Belém
In the west part of Lisboa, on the banks of Tejo (Tagus) River, the Império (Empire) Square garden’s, in Belém, was a place of leisure chosen by families, particularly at weekends as well as the Jerónimos Monastery which is a monument of touristic interest.
Promenade near south and southeast station (1980/1989) by Artur PastorLisboa Municipal Archive
Terreiro do Paço river station
Lisboa’s esplanades, with it’s colourful parasols, brightened up the spaces and were an invitation to the workers to take a well deserved rest, while waiting to board the cacilheiro (Tagus river boat) that still today connects Lisboa and Almada shores.
Artur Pastor (1922-1999)
Extensively photographed Lisboa and captured well the vibrant rhythm of everyday city life, in colour photography which were captured with less forethought that his black and white photos, we can sense the spontaneity of his gaze and visit the Lisboa of the 70s and 80s.
COORDINATION
Helena Neves and Isabel Corda
RESEARCH AND TEXTS
Paula Figueiredo
PRODUCTION
Mariana Caldas de Almeida
REVISION
Maria José Silva
TRANSLATION
Sílvia Reis
IMAGE EDITION
Bruno Ferro
