The Bordalo Pinheiro Museum boasts a specialised library on the artist’s work. It includes periodical publications from the era and reference works for the study of Rafael’s historical and artistic context, with an emphasis on the ‘Bordalian’ theme, as well as humorous drawing, caricature and ceramics.
The library was initially created by Ernesto Cruz Magalhães as part of the museum project. The publications belonging to the collector’s estate contain annotations and commentaries relating to the artist’s work, sometimes with dedications revealing Cruz Magalhães’ network of contacts and intimates, including the museum’s Friends and Supporters Group.
The library retains the structure proposed by the founder at the
time of the museum’s creation, in 1916. Ten years later, at the time of the
museum’s donation to Lisbon City Council, it held more than 3,000 titles. Since
then, the library has been enhanced with the inclusion of new publications, and
now possesses more than 4,000 titles: around 250 belonging to the reserve fund,
more than 2,300 bound periodicals,
individual examples and cuttings, more than 1,500 monographs and 400
catalogues.
With limited access, it is primarily a research library for students,
researchers and artists. Consultation of the works must be arranged in advance.
Information and contact
Cláudia Freire | Museology and Documentation