Founded in 1845, Torres Novas embodies the resilient Portuguese craft tradition. After closing in 2011, a new generation revived its legacy, weaving stories of place and time into exceptional home textiles for today.
Along the banks of the Almonda River, in the historic town of Torres Novas, a story is being woven—one that stretches back through generations. It is a story of industrial ambition, of national pride, of decline, and of a quiet, determined rebirth. This is the story of Torres Novas, a name that has been synonymous with the very fabric of Portuguese home life for over 175 years.
The tale begins on October 2, 1845. In an era of political fragility and economic dependence, a group of Lisbon merchants founded the Companhia Nacional de Fiação e Tecidos de Torres Novas. Their goal was not merely commercial; it was an act of patriotism, a desire to build national self-sufficiency and become “independent of imports”. The company grew to become an industrial titan, and in the 20th century, it found its true calling. With the introduction of terry cloth in 1972, Torres Novas became a beloved household name; its towels, such as the iconic Almonda and Elegance collections, were a fixture in homes across the country, passed down through families as symbols of enduring quality. But as the world changed, the forces of globalization and economic crisis led to the factory’s closure in 2011, silencing the looms after 166 years.
The story could have ended there. But a legacy so deeply woven into a nation’s identity is not easily erased. In 2020, a new chapter began, driven by a new generation with a profound personal connection to the brand’s past. Nuno Vasconcellos e Sá, whose great-uncle was a historic director of the company, felt the pull of this dormant legacy. It was a revival born not of corporate strategy, but of family history and a belief in the enduring strength of the brand’s name.
Today, that philosophy is tangible in every thread. The brand has delved into its archives to revive classic designs, such as the jacquard-bordered Piazza towel, creating a direct link to its celebrated history. At the same time, it looks to the landscape for new inspiration. The collections are a map of Portugal itself: washed cotton bed linens named Tavira, and beach towels that carry the names of coastal havens like Meco and Alvor. The Gibalta beach towel, a reinterpretation of a 1940s classic, is inspired by a Portuguese lighthouse, its stripes echoing the structure’s steadfast presence on the coast. To hold a Torres Novas towel is to feel more than just the softness of high-quality cotton; it is to feel the weight of a story, the character of a place, and the touch of a craft that has endured.
The journey of Torres Novas is a testament to resilience. It is a reminder that a true legacy is not something that can be lost, only paused. By honouring its past while weaving a new future, the brand reaffirms its place as an essential part of Portugal’s design heritage. To explore its collections is to understand that some stories are not just told, but are meant to be felt, lived with, and passed on.
