Since it first opened its doors in Rio de Janeiro in 1870, Granado has remained true to its founding mission: to concoct local, natural remedies and cosmetics, crafted from flora of Brazil. Such a formula is responsible for Granado's endurance through time and its current standing as Brazil's oldest pharmacy and apothecary. This stunning and fascinating addition to Assouline's Classic Collection chronicles Granado's triumphant transformation from a small Rio shop into an international brand lauded for creating sustainable and stunningly-packaged products made from plants, herbs and flowers native to the region. Today, Granado has three boutiques in Paris and a significant online presence in Europe; but the story of Granado's rise begins with the tale of one man's singular vision. At a time when medicines used toxic substances such as mercury and arsenic, Jose Antonio Coxito Granado began to develop natural alternatives that would quickly revolutionise the world of pharmaceuticals in Brazil. In a text enlivened by more than 200 images that capture the bright colours, botanical terrain, and vibrant aesthetics of Rio, writer Hermes Galvao traces the brand's history, from its modest roots to its time as the Official Pharmacy of the Brazilian Imperial Family and its eventual growth into a global brand under a new family's ownership. Featuring an illustrious cast of characters and overlapping with some of the most influential eras in Brazilian history, the story of Granado is a tale as rich as the land that yields its products.
