Exhibitions

During the first four days of April 1850 an exhibition of Madeiran industry was held in the three main rooms of the Civil Government Palace (Palácio do Governo Civil). On display were textiles, goldsmiths’ work, cabinetwork, plaster and straw work, paintings, embroidery, needlework, etc., as well as some agricultural produce. Seventeen silver medals were awarded to those who presented the best objects. The originator of this exhibition was Councillor (conselheiro, honorary title of the royal council) José Silvestre Ribeiro.

On 29 April 1854 an agricultural exhibition promoted by the botanist João Maria Moniz was held in the courtyard and rooms of the Palácio de São Lourenço (St Lawrence Palace). On 20, 21, 22 and 23 April 1861 the same palace hosted the first exhibition promoted by the Agricultural Society of Madeira (Sociedade Agrícola da Madeira).

This exhibition, the most brilliant ever held in Funchal, featured trees and shrubs, industrial, forage and ornamental plants, cereals, vegetables, tubers and roots, a herbarium and a collection of Madeiran shells, livestock, etc.

On 25 May 1861 the Agricultural Society held a meeting chaired by the civil governor, at which 12 first-class prizes, 18 second-class prizes and 20 honourable mentions were awarded to the exhibitors.

The members of the said society whom it charged with obtaining and classifying the objects shown at the exhibition were Major António Pedro de Azevedo, João Maria Moniz and Dr João Perestrelo de Vasconcelos.

In 1863 and 1864 two insignificant livestock shows were held in Funchal. Only nine head of cattle appeared at the first, and attendance was no greater the following year.

The last exhibition held in Funchal took place at the end of June 1901, on the occasion of the royal visit to the island. It featured wines, brandies, photographs, paintings, various textiles, embroidery, parquet and inlaid work (embutidos), wickerwork and straw work, etc. The exhibition was held in the Praça Académica (‘academic square’), today Campo do Almirante Reis (‘Admiral Reis field’), in huts and pavilions put up there for the purpose.