Guilherme F. Thedim Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Lavra > Perafita, Lavra e Santa Cruz do Bispo

Location

The Guilherme F. Thedim Museum is located in Santa Cruz do Bispo, in the municipality of Matosinhos. Integrated into the locality's Civic Center, this cultural space benefits from a tranquil and serene environment, which contrasts with the hustle and bustle of more crowded urban centers.

Its position in Santa Cruz do Bispo provides an atmosphere conducive to contemplation, ideal for those seeking a cultural point of interest in a quieter area of Greater Porto, yet with easy access.

The Heritage of a Master Sculptor

The Guilherme F. Thedim Museum pays tribute to one of the most notable Portuguese religious sculptors of the 20th century, Guilherme F. Thedim. This place holds particular historical significance as it was in the Thedim family's workshop, here in Santa Cruz do Bispo, that José Ferreira Thedim, Guilherme's father, created the first sculptural image of Our Lady of Fátima in 1920.

Since its inauguration in 2009, this space has preserved and disseminated the artist's vast work, resulting from a donation by his family. It represents an opportunity to learn about the trajectory of a creator who left an indelible mark on sacred art and religious devotion in Portugal, perpetuating the legacy of a lineage of artists.

The Creative Process on Display

The museum houses a rich collection, comprising over a hundred pieces that illustrate Guilherme F. Thedim's artistic journey. Among these, sculptural models in clay, plaster, and wood stand out, allowing visitors to understand the various stages of the meticulous creation process of a religious image.

The collection offers a unique perspective on the evolution from the initial idea to the finished piece, revealing the technique and mastery that characterized the sculptor's work, highlighting his deep understanding of form and expression within the context of sacred art.

Intimate Dialogues and the Connection to Fátima

In addition to the sculptural works, the museum exhibits a notable collection of hundreds of documents and correspondence exchanged between the sculptor and Sister Lúcia, one of the visionaries of Fátima. This correspondence is a testament to the unique friendship that developed in the 1940s, offering a rare glimpse into their lives.

The exchange of letters provides an intimate perspective on the sculptor's life, his working method, and, above all, his deep connection to the history and symbolism of Fátima, enriching the understanding of his work and personal journey.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt