• Patrick Swift

Posted: **Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:50 pm**

Just read Biffa's newsletter and was very interested to read paragraph on Patrick Swift!
I didnt know he was an artist of Irish origin or that he'd owned the Porches pottery.
When I had the tiny bookshop.. I bought-in collections of second-hand books and Patrick's was amongst them..called 'Algarve' that he had written with David Wright.(published '65)
I remember sitting reading it ..fascinating to read of what Carvoeiro & other places were like in the early 60s.
I still have it..and read it now & then..nice pics too..its signed by Patrick and dated Jan '78 Porches.

Posted: **Thu Nov 11, 2004 1:33 am**

Checked on Amazon and it can be obtained.....

Algarve: Portrait and Guide
David Wright, Patrick Swift

Availability: This item is not in stock. If you would like to purchase this title, we recommend that you request it used.

Hardcover 279 pages (May 1971)
Publisher: Barrie & Jenkins
ISBN: 0214653323

Posted: **Fri Nov 12, 2004 12:55 am**

The newletter also states that Patrick Swift's paintings are now very collectable....Biffa says that one was recently valued at £15,000(think thats right) on BBCs 'Antiques Road show'.
Wonder if he was a descendent of that other Irish Swift..Jonathon..of 'Gulliver's Travels' fame ?.......ellie

Posted: **Thu Dec 02, 2004 1:36 pm**

I have visited Carvoeiro on ceveral occasions and have shopped at Porches Pottery. Until i saw the Antiques Road Show i had no idea that Patrick was also a painter of note. I have a few plates that i believe were painted by him;anyone know whether these could also be of value? And, anyone out there lucky enough to have laid their hands on one of his paintings...?

Posted: **Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:40 pm**

Paul..Ive been searching in the loft too..Looking through stuff (pottery bits bought at Porches) from our stay in early 90s..but no luck

Like you..and as I stated previous..I had no idea Patrick was a painter either...
But he's become very collectible according to Biffa's 'Antique Roadshow' article in the News letter...
Have you read his book 'Algarve'?..very interesting on how it was in 60s

Posted: **Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:13 pm**

Thanks Ellie... no, i have not read 'Algarve' but see that i may be able to obtain a second hand on amazon. Would be very interested to read what it was like in the 60's as it's changed so much since i was first there! Have not been to the Algarve in quite a few years... is Porches Pottery still the same or has it become another glorified supermarket? I have quite a collection of pottery from Italy, Spain... but still believe that Porches was my favourite- not least because it was such a pleasant building to shop in!

Posted: **Tue Dec 07, 2004 1:58 pm**

Please also check Jenny Grainers great book:
Fala Português or are you English?
www.carvoeiro.com/jenny

Posted: **Tue Dec 07, 2004 2:27 pm**

Thanks Steen..Im glad you put that site on..I lost Jenny's emails she sent me..when our pc went down some months back...
Yes ..another good book Paul of that time.....but that is the name of book when first published 2003..she did tell me that further /more recent publications would have different title but maybe thats on this web..I haven't looked yet!
Paul.. according to the November Newsletter.. 'Olaria de Porches'/Porches Pottery is now run by Patrick's daughter.

Posted: **Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:39 am**

I was very sorry to read that Katty, Patrick's daughter, had sadly passed away. I have a quite magnificent panel painted by her that i purcheased many moons ago. My sincere condolences to the Swift family.