![Umbrellas and Fans on Casa Bruno Quadros [enlarge]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3594802545_f356ebda5b_o.jpg)
Although this façade was shown here in the past, I think last time I didn't feature it in all its splendor. I had an old lousy camera and the size of the picture was not the right one. This used to be an umbrella shop located in the ground floor of Casa Bruno Quadros (1891 - 1896 by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, the oldest of all modernista architects) more than a century ago at Rambla de Sant Josep, 82 right in front of La Boqueria. Imagine a wide road full of cafes with their attractive canopies, carriages drawn by horses, errand boys rushing, maids in aprons, workers wearing sided berets, elegantly dressed gentlemen walking with arrogant gait at the rhythm of their sticks and beautiful ladies showing off that brand new umbrella that had just arrived from Paris. Modernity, innovation came from neighboring industrialized countries. Wealthy members of the Catalan society felt more identified with cultural external influence. It happened that at a given moment, there was this sudden urge for everything Asian during and after the 1888 Universal Exhibition thus the oriental fans and umbrellas or the Chinese dragon on the very corner of the facade which clearly mismatch the Egyptian decoration of the house.
I can't wait to see this in person! Great photograph!
ReplyDeleteMismatch? Maybe. I still think it's fun though and like it! It's... exotic! Btw, my father's family is Catalan but from this side of the Pyrénées...
ReplyDelete.Better in person, guaranteed :)
ReplyDelete.Are you! That's great. Thanks for sharing this ;)
what unusual decorations, love the umbrellas on the wall :-)
ReplyDeleteFascinating story, excellent photograph of a most interesting building.
ReplyDeleteGreat work, Carlos!
The structure is wonderfully built and the picture looks awsome for sure! I'd surely want to visit barcelona atleast once in my life time!
ReplyDeleteSpend on of the most beautiful time of my life in Barcelona and am glad to have found your site.
ReplyDeleteLove the mix of Asian umbrellas and fan with the Catalan building! Super photo!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Barcelona is such a wonderful eclectic mix of history and art. When the days are grey here I go to your website & soak up some sun.Thank You for sharing all of your thoughts & talent.
ReplyDeleteJá agora, se quiser ver o meu blog, a morada é: http://umtectofalso.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteObrigado Miguel :)
ReplyDelete