Divertimenti, the famous London kitchen and tableware store, is hosting a celebration of Portugal in collaboration with the renowned ceramics brand, Bordallo Pinheiro. His Excellency, Manuel Lobo Antunes, the Portuguese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, will be in attendance to mark the launch of this unique showcase.
The event, to be held at the Divertimenti store in Brompton today (Wednesday 8 May), will feature stunning displays of the artistic tableware and home décor pieces of Bordallo Pinheiro alongside some unique pieces by the renowned London-based Portuguese ceramicist Jose Carvalho. Modern interpretations of classic Portuguese dishes will be served to guests between 12-3pm, prepared by top Portuguese chef Leandro Carreira, formerly chef patron of Londrino.
Divertimenti, founded in 1963, was one of the pioneering kitchenware stores in London, famous for introducing many of the best-loved items in our kitchens to the UK. The Divertimenti Cookery School has hosted events by chefs including Tom Kerridge, Yotam Ottolenghi, Ken Hom, Sabrina Ghayour and Gordon Ramsay and is one of the best-loved schools in London, offering classes for beginners through to skilled chefs. Divertimenti is still a family-owned and run company today and maintains its reputation for bringing unique items from around the world to its shelves.
Bordallo Pinheiro, established in 1884 in Caldas de Rainha, Portugal, produces unique designs inspired by the legacy of its founder, Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro. An artist, illustrator, caricaturist, journalist and ceramicist, Raphael’s designs still inspire and bring humour and charm to homes and tables today. Combining creativity, innovation and exceptional production quality, Bordallo Pinheiro successfully marries traditional techniques with modern technology: a blend of heritage, craft and design.
Collaborations with international contemporary designers including Paula Rego, Joana Vasconcelos, Vik Muniz and Sain Clair Cemin keep Bordallo Pinheiro’s designs at the forefront of style. In 2019, Artichoke, one of the latest collections, was awarded a prestigious German Design Award.
Divertimenti was one of the first retailers to bring Bordallo Pinheiro’s work to the UK and today carries an incredible and varied range of pieces from the brand.
Artisan Ceramics will also be celebrated at Divertimenti with a showcasing of works by Jose Carvalho. Born in Portugal, Jose is now based at his workshop in Hammersmith, West London. He works with his own glazes, which give his work a unique organic texture and colour. Jose has exhibited his work in various London venues including the Hepsibah gallery, Chelsea Physic Gardens and the Morley Gallery and is now represented by Otomys Contemporary Art. Jose has won awards for Best Use of Surface and Glaze (Ceramics Review Magazine) and Best in Show by Visitors’ choice. His work has been sold worldwide and used in projects by Conran and Partners, Molteni&C, Colefax & Fowler, BWT London and Heckfield Place. This event will mark Jose’s first collaboration with Divertimenti.
Chef Leandro Carreira grew up in Leira, Portugal and cooked in Lisbon and with Andoni Luis Aduriz at Mugaritz in Northern Spain. Moving to London as Head Chef at Nuno Mendes’ Viajante, Leandro spent time at Koya and Lyle’s before opening his own restaurant, Londrino. He has recently been appointed as Executive Head Chef of the new restaurant opening The Sea, The Sea, in Chelsea. Leandro’s cooking evokes the flavours, ingredients and traditions of his native Portugal – but explored through the experiences of a chef who now calls London his home. Leandro will prepare a range of dishes, utilising Bordallo Pinheiro’s ceramics, for the delight of guests at the event.
Brompton, home to Divertimenti for over 30 years, has long been established as one of London’s key design destinations. Alongside world-class museums including the V&A, many international design brands including B&B Italia, Molteni&C Dada and Cassina sit alongside iconic retail destinations including Divertimenti, Skandium and the Conran Shop.
Divertimenti will be displaying a selection of works from Bordallo Pinheiro at its store, located at 227-229 Brompton Road, London SW3, from today (Wednesday 8 May 2019) until Monday 20 May.
In addition to the Bordallo Pinheiro display, the ‘Taste of Portugal’ event will also include an exhibition of works by Jose Carvalho and food by Leandro Carreira today, between 12-3pm. His Excellency, Manuel Lobo Antunes, the Portuguese ambassador to the United Kingdom, will attend at that time.
