HOW TO PRODUCE SILK - practical workshops and demonstrations at Quinta de Serralves

Next Saturday, June 11, Saber Fazer brings to Serralves a day entirely dedicated to silk fiber and its small-scale production, with demonstrations, experiments and guided tours of the silkworm rearing, which is taking place for the second year running at Quinta de Serralves.
A unique opportunity to learn all about silkworms and silk and to learn various techniques in an exclusive hands-on workshop led by one of the only artisans in our country who has produced this textile fiber for decades: Mª Teresa Frade.

There are two activities scheduled: one takes place all day and is free to attend (see the program below) and the other, the Practical Silk Extraction Workshop, has a limited capacity and only takes place in the afternoon.

Here's an overview of the two activities and all the information you need to come and learn and experiment with silk next weekend:

SATURDAY JUNE 11
11AM-1PM and 3PM-6PM QUINTA DE SERRALVES (LAGAR)

HOW SILK IS PRODUCED, FROM CATERPILLAR TO THREAD: GUIDED TOUR, DEMONSTRATIONS AND FREE EXPERIMENTATION
 

In June, the silkworm rearing that is taking place at Quinta de Serralves for the second year running is at a special moment when it is possible to observe all the stages of development of the insect that provides us with this extraordinary fiber, from the egg to the butterfly. Next Saturday, June 11, we will use this unique moment as an opportunity to explore the theme of silk production and the techniques needed to obtain this fascinating fiber.
Children and adults will be able to learn more about the insect, the specifics of its rearing and try out the silk extraction technique using real cocoons.

Instructors: Alice Bernardo, Helena Tomás, Paula Péres and Margarida Afonso (visit and experimentation) and Mª Teresa Frade (morning demonstration)
Day: June 11th (Saturday);
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m;
Location: Quinta de Serralves (Lagar);
Admission: free, with the purchase of a Museum or Park ticket;
More information: www.serralves.pt
 

SATURDAY JUNE 11
3PM-6PM QUINTA DE SERRALVES (LAGAR)


PRACTICAL SILK EXTRACTION AND WASHING WORKSHOP WITH MªTERESA FRADE


 

In this workshop, we'll learn about the extraction of silk thread under the guidance of Mª Teresa Frade, an artisan from Castelo Branco who will teach us how cocoons are transformed into thread. In Portugal, we can count on the fingers of one hand the artisans who still work with this extraordinary fiber, and there are even fewer who know its mysteries. Maria Teresa Frade has made the rearing of silkworms and the production of handmade silk her profession for decades. This workshop in Serralves is a unique opportunity to receive some of her knowledge.

Instructor: Mª Teresa Frade;
Day: June 11th (Saturday);
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m;
Location: Quinta de Serralves (Lagar);
Target audience: children over 12 and adults;
Admission: €7.5;
Capacity: 10 participants with prior registration;

More information: www.serralves.pt