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589 Sargent Avenue
Photo courtesy of West End BIZ. Reid Edgeworth's wonderful "Portugal" Mural rendered in 1998. Lost in 2002 due to building expansion.
Original notes follow:
Reid Edgeworth: "This Mural is a celebration of the proud cultural heritage of all
Portuguese Canadians and depicts only a small glimpse of Portugal's rich history. The
sea dominates much of Portuguese life and history because of the enormity of the
coastline. The images within the Mural center around Portugal's seafaring heritage."
"Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460), seen at the top right corner of the Mural,
gathered the top geographers and astronomers of his day to develop the most accurate
maps and innovative navigational equipment in Europe. Prince Henry, now a national
icon, represents Portugal's contribution to the world's greater understanding of ocean
navigation."
"Below the portrait of the Prince are Blue Hydrangeas, a tropical flower from the Azores
Islands. The Azores were among the many islands that were explored during the voyages
that the Prince sponsored."
"On the bank of the Tagus (Tejo) River in the capital city of Lisbon is the tower of
Bethlehem (Torre de Belém). The tower was the embarking point of Vasco da Gama, the
explorer who sailed around Africa and east to India, landing in 1498."
"Making its way across the center of the Mural is a tiny version of the Caravel. The
Caravel was the style of ship developed during the time of Henry and is a symbol of the
many exploratory expeditions sponsored by the Prince."
"Within a circle floating near the Tower is the Monument of the Discoveries
(Monumento aos Descobrimentos). The monument was erected near the tower to
commemorate the many expeditions and explorers who ventured forth from Portugal."
"Two of the islands from the Azores archipelago are represented on the left side of the
Mural: the houses in vineyards from the Bay of São de Lourenço, S. Maria, and the
Doors of the City (Portas Da Cidade) from Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel. A young couple in
traditional dress is standing in front of the Portas Da Cidade."
"The images in this Mural were composed with the help of August Bairos and the Correia
family. Special thanks to the members of the Portuguese community who frequented the
Mural during its creation and shared with me stories of their homeland."
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