PT-ABM-COLJOR-168-18990513P01
Manuel Rodrigues Gaspar
(1827-1900)
Born in São Pedro parish, on November 20th, 1827, son of Gaspar José Rodrigues, native of São Salvador, within the Diocese of Coimbra and Filipa de Jesus, native of Arco da Calheta. He got married with Maria Augusta (1824-1915), on June 26th, 1853 in São Pedro parish.
The couple had seven sons and one daughter: Luís Rodrigues Gaspar (1854-?), Manuel Rodrigues Gaspar Júnior (1858-1899), José Rodrigues Gaspar (1860-?), Eduardo Rodrigues Gaspar (1862-1867), Virgínia (1864-1865), Alfredo Rodrigues Gaspar (1865- 1938), Carlos Rodrigues Gaspar (1869-1871) and Francisco (1871-1873).
He started his carpentry apprenticeship in 1845, quickly demonstrating a talent for this craft. In 1852, he opened a shop in Imperatriz D. Amélia street, n º 125. Years later he was awarded with the silver medal in the Industrial Exhibition of Porto, 1861, with an honourable mention at the Universal Exhibition of Paris of 1867, for the “inlaid wooden boxes”.
Nine years after his last presence in big events, Manuel Gaspar sends to the Philadelphia Universal Exhibition in 1876, a small gaming table with carvings and inlays representing the traditions of Madeira Island. In 1893, he featured and exhibition at the Jerónimos building in Lisbon, with six new models of parquet flooring made from different woods.
Besides dedicating himself to his craft, he also committed himself to collectivism. He contributed to the affirmation of the Associação de Beneficência of Funchal. He held the position of vice-president of the Grémio Literário e Recreativo dos Artistas Funchalenses. From 1870 and for several years, he was the parish regent of São Pedro. He was the owner and founder of the weekly newspaper A Voz do Operário, from April 2nd until October 7th, 1899.
Manuel Rodrigues Gaspar passed away, on May 26th, 1990, ate the age of 72. His workshop continued to operate under the guidance of his grandson, Dr. Luís Rodrigues Gaspar Júnior.
In February 1901, an order for parquets was sent to Lourenço Marques for the reception room of the governor of that district. The design was the responsibility of Cândido Pereira, a professor at the industrial school.
