The Porto Municipal Public Library holds a significant collection of illustrated postcards (BPI) from Portugal, most notably the section dedicated to old Porto. The collection of postcards, both circulated and uncirculated, includes various printing techniques (especially lithography, phototypesetting and typography), some atypical formats and items from different sources: Legal Deposit, legacies and donations, autographs and collections, gifts and acquisitions. It includes numerous postcards from before the establishment of the Republic and covers the golden age of BPI publishing and circulation in Portugal: 1898-1940. This time frame includes rare copies and some colour postcards. Focussing on various themes of unquestionable interest to researchers, collectors and the general public, the Porto collection of illustrated postcards is quantitatively and qualitatively relevant and its documentary, iconographic and historical value is evident.

Through the images on the postcards, captured by the lenses of anonymous or renowned photographers (Emílio Biel, Aurélio Paz dos Reis, Domingos Alvão, ...) or coined by the traits of talented graphic and plastic artists (Marques de Abreu, Aurélia de Sousa, Amadeo Sousa Cardoso, ...), we travel through the history of the city. ...), we travel along the river and the city, the places of yesteryear and today, passing through spaces and memories, environments and customs, anonymous people and personalities, glimpsing the economic, social and cultural life of the city. Nostalgia and reminiscences of a Porto that has disappeared, been rediscovered, transformed and reborn.

Registration via form at museudoporto.pt.