Summary History and Birth of the Círculo Eça de Queiroz
[By Jorge Segurado, March 1980]
“The genesis of the Círculo Eça de Queiroz association unexpectedly emerged in New York in 1938, although the foundational idea of naming it after the great writer did not occur at that time.
Rather, the inspiration came solely from a country club in the outskirts of that city—an enormous club, exclusively for ladies—surrounded by lawns and a charming landscape, housed in a comfortable and efficient building. A delightful retreat for relaxation and even intellectual gatherings.
It was our friend, Dr. Albino Tavares de Almeida, a physician who frequently visited the United States, who introduced António Ferro, Guilherme Pereira de Carvalho, and myself to a very kind lady, Mrs. Rice, the wife of the President and Director of the Canadian Club in New York.
She was the one who invited us to visit her club outside the city, where we were treated to a splendid lunch—another marvel of civilization. On the way back, in the car, António Ferro, with his restless and fertile inventive spirit, proposed the creation of a similar organization in Lisbon, a gathering place for intellectual and cultural meetings, as well as for the pleasure of social interaction.
It was curious how such an idea arose so unexpectedly on the road, enthusiastically launched by him.
The idea was immediately discussed with great interest, but of the four of us, only António Ferro and I had no doubts in firmly believing in its realization.
Back in Lisbon, many months passed, but the idea remained pure and firm within us.
One evening at the Hotel Palace in Estoril, after dinner with two friends—António Ferro, José Júlio da Silva Bastos, and myself—while discussing Art and Literature, the idea of a Círculo naturally resurfaced, a space where intellectual matters could be discussed in an atmosphere of friendly camaraderie.
The enthusiasm reignited, along with an expressed desire to take action, to begin the realization of this vision.
Right then and there, we agreed that the three of us would compile a list of names for the association’s founding.
And so it was. Two days later, the idea was in motion, taking shape.
Invitations were sent, both in writing and by phone, for a first meeting, which was held at Tavares. Several other meetings followed, not only at that restaurant but also at the homes of various members—Dr. Eduardo Pinto da Cunha (Palácio do Conde de Vimioso, in Campo Grande), Júlio Cayola in Pedrouços, and Dr. José Alvellos on Rua do Ataíde.
Meanwhile, we searched for an old country house on the outskirts of the city, but in vain, until we decided to look for one in Lisbon itself, though nothing suitable was found.
One fine day, however, António Lopes Ribeiro discovered a gem—the vacant house of the former Vasques Photography Studio in Chiado, right next to the old ‘Casino.’
Its owner and our friend, Dr. Emílio Infante da Câmara, not only agreed to rent the property but also enthusiastically joined the initiative and, as the landlord, even contributed to the renovation work needed for adaptation.
Enthusiasm surged anew; and I, as an architect, became actively involved, assisted by fellow architect Adelino Nunes.
Hand in hand, we set to work. I drafted the general layout for the initial phase. Provisionally, the entrance and service staircase would serve as access points.
The roof of the building was transformed into a large open-air terrace, where, during the summer, conferences and festivals of Theater and Music were held.
Later, with further renovations, the terrace was replaced by the grand hall, complete with its small stage.
Meanwhile, the association had already been named: ‘Círculo Eça de Queiroz,’ a brilliant suggestion by António Lopes Ribeiro, which was immediately and unanimously approved with much justified enthusiasm.
A celebratory dinner was then held at the Hotel Aviz—the first of its kind—attended by all members and featuring the great poet Maurice Maeterlinck as the guest of honor.
Eventually, the initial phase of renovations was completed. And on November 25, 1940, the Círculo Eça de Queiroz was solemnly inaugurated.”
Minutes No. 1, dated December 7, 1940, records the first meeting of the elected board, which had been formed two days earlier with the following members: António Ferro (President), Dr. José Alvellos, Júlio Cayolla, António Lopes Ribeiro, and José da Silva Bastos.