Mr Silvestre founded Fabrica Ceramica da Madalena, in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, making refractory crucibles for smelting gold.

The factory was bought by current president Ricardo Abrantes’ great grandfather José de Almeida Abrantes (professor nobleman).

Production was moved to the current factory in Almas Da Areosa, Aguada de Cima, and the business was renamed to Almas.

The factory flourished under the guidance of the Abrantes family including José da Costa Abrantes, and his son José Fernando Abrantes.

Almas has seen radical change over 100 years producing bricks, drainpipes, salt glaze jugs, and cache pots.

Salt glazed stoneware, hand painted with cobalt blue.

The factory now produces thousands of cache pots every day, selling to customers all over the world.