A metallic element, rigid but malleable, can be transformed into an ornamental or functional object.  José Edivaldo Ribeiro da Silva is a master of foundry arts. For the past 30 years he has created religious objects such as ornamental doorways, portals, bells of various sizes, chandeliers, candle holders and other liturgical objects for churches and collectors all over Brazil.  The technique of metallurgy arrived in Brazil with the Portuguese immigrants and the African slaves.  The 1726 public census archive of Minas Gerais documents a large variety of professionals skillful in the art of iron work.

Baron van Eschwege established the first foundry in the state of São Paulo in 1811.  In 1813 and 1815, van Eschewege created the metallurgies of Congonhas and Morro do Pilar in Ouro Prêto, both dedicated to Queen Victoria of England.

Biography:  José Edivaldo Ribeiro da Silva started as an apprentice in foundry arts at the age of fifteen.  Today, after 30 years of experience, Edivaldo is known internationally for his medieval foundry methods of making bells of different sizes and shapes.  He has also restored a number of antique bells and has a large inventory of decorative and functional objects for liturgical functions.  Edivaldo’s innovative iron gates are well known and Holland is his major importer.