• HIDDEN TREASURES: LICEU DE ARTES E OFÍCIOS

  • THE COMPANY
    The Liceu de Artes e Ofícios de São Paulo is a historic institution, with a legacy that dates back to...

    The Liceu de Artes e Ofícios de São Paulo is a historic institution, with a legacy that dates back to its founding in 1873, having played a pivotal role in advancing woodworking craftsmanship and technical expertise in Brazil. Established to train skilled artisans, it significantly influenced São Paulo's industrial and cultural development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

     

    The Liceu’s blend of artistic and technical education helped elevate Brazilian craftsmanship, particularly in furniture design, to new heights. However, while its creations gained widespread recognition, their authorship remains unknown, as most pieces were crafted by students who were rarely credited for their work.

     

    This legacy underscores the Liceu’s profound impact on shaping Brazil’s design history, while also highlighting the importance of preserving and acknowledging the contributions of its anonymous creators.

     

     


     

  • THE HIDDEN TREASURES PROJECT

  • For the past five years, the Bossa team has been immersed in the Hidden Treasures project—a meticulous exploration of the...

    For the past five years, the Bossa team has been immersed in the Hidden Treasures project—a meticulous exploration of the overlooked yet pivotal companies that shaped Brazilian design history, such as Liceu de Artes e Ofícios.

    Through extensive research of old magazines, company catalogs, and newspapers, we have unearthed narratives on the verge of being forgotten. These stories extend beyond the celebrated masters, shedding light on the creative ecosystems—the stores, makers, and local scenes—that played vital roles in Brazil’s modern design movement.

    The pioneers will always hold their rightful place in history, but Hidden Treasures shifts focus to the networks and ideas that sustained and amplified their success. It explores how creative hubs, cultural movements, and economic forces intersected to shape Brazil’s design landscape, reflecting a dynamic confluence of ambition, innovation, and historical context.

    Unlike the radical experimentation seen elsewhere, the late 1960s was marked by a pragmatic approach to design, when mid-century modern aesthetics became accessible to the upper-middle class. This era marked significant industrial growth, as companies invested in worker training, expanded operations, and established multiple locations—often bridging São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. This industrialization brought modern design into everyday life, making it both functional and aspirational.

     

  • THE RESTORATION PROCESS

     

    "It is part of our job to prevent, delay, and repair the natural damages caused by time and use."

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  • Our work has gone beyond archival research to rescue and restore extraordinary pieces that, unlike the well-preserved icons, were often neglected and altered over time. Many of these works, once adorned with exquisite rosewood veneers, were painted white in the 1980s. Now, over 80 models have been meticulously restored and cataloged, and stand as testaments to the artistry and innovation of Brazil’s unsung design pioneers.


    After sixty years of use, even the most comfortable lounge chair in the room loses its comfort. There are natural transformations in the materials due to the passage of time, and to bring their full potential back, we count on a multidisciplinary team of greatly skilled researchers, artisans and craftsmen, working together to achieve the best results according to each project.


    Research and restoration are allies. Research supports us when addressing techniques and materials, while restoration tells us about the truth of the material. The undeniable marks of the passage of time are signs that help us identify the original pieces and – equally important – the fake ones, guaranteeing they are not part of our collection.


    The distinguished creations in mid-century Brazilian design have the potential to tell stories about who we are, transport us to the past, trace paths to the present, and allow us to glimpse into the future.


    Restoring a piece of furniture makes new experiences possible through its materiality, carrying the legacy of Brazilian design.