Vintage Barcelona pictures
Firstly, we want to call attention to all photography enthusiasts, history lovers and hipsters alike! An extensive gallery featuring the amazing work of the innovator of Catalan photojournalism Josep Brangulí opens its doors; featuring for instance 300 vintage photographs of outlining change and conflict between 1909 and 1945 in Barcelona. Moreover, check out a few of his amazing photographs from his collection here.
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Who was Josep Brangulí?
Josep Brangulí began his career as a photographer with a collaboration in the magazine La Hormiga de Oro, at the end of the 19th century. Subsequently, his collaboration with the La Vanguardia media and the Spanish Press further stood out.
Furthermore, his photographs had been published in numerous reports in Barcelona and Catalonia, including the Universal Exhibition of Barcelona in 1929 and the Spanish Civil War, for instance.
Photo Brangulí
After his death, his son Joaquim took it upon himself to continue with his work under the same name: Photo Brangulí. In the same vein, if you want to check out more of Joaquim’s work go to the Diario de Barcelona. Additionally, his other son, Xavier, also continued the family business. His work is highlighted in El Noticiero Universal.
The ‘Brangulí Archive’ comprises itself with more than half a million images, glass plates and posters. The collection of this incredible archive was further passed on in 1992 by the Government of Catalonia, which was then placed in the National Archive of Catalonia.
The exhibition Brangulí: Barcelona 1909-1945
The exhibition was further produced by the Fundación Telefónica in collaboration with the Arxiu Nacional de Catalunya. This beautiful exhibition was dedicated to the work of Barcelona-born Josep Brangulí. Most importantly, this piece of art exhibits the pioneer of photojournalism and author’s works; some of the only images reflecting Barcelona’s extensive transformation of social, urban and industrial innovations. The show, Josep Brangulí’s first anthological exhibition, contained around 300 photographs and original printed material from the time.
Those in charge of the commission, the photographers Valentín Vallhonrat and Rafael Levenfeld, tried to maintain the thematic structure of the Josep Brangulí archive. Thus, reflecting the diversity and the serial treatment that the author gives to the topics. Additionally, coinciding with those in the exhibition, 8 photographs of the old Casa de la Caridad are added; the charity center between 1802 and 1956, currently occupying the CCCB.
A reflection of aforetime Barcelona
Through his photographs, Josep Brangulí showed society in all its aspects. Moreover, his photographs recorded commercial life with his series on workshops, trades, companies or the Fira de Barcelona. In addition, the documentation of the great public and private works which transformed and modernized the urban landscape of the city (such as the opening of Vía Laietana); the portrait of the construction of new industries and the social and labor situation of the time, for instance. In conclusion, Brangulí’s art went beyond the documentary photography style; capturing the reality of Barcelona citizens attempting to move forward and leave the 19th century behind.
“The first 600 Barcelona workers leaving the city’s Estación de Francia for Germany in 1941, where they worked for companies of the Reich” Photograph: Josep Brangulí/ANC
“Vía Laietana, circa 1922 The Josep Brangulí retrospective is at CCCB, Barcelona’s centre for contemporary culture, until 23 October” Photograph: Josep Brangulí/ANC
“Swimming competition organised in the port area by the National Swimming Club of Barcelona and the Brussels Swimming and Water Polo Club, 1913” Photograph: Josep Brangulí/ANC
Source: www.theguardian.com
Practical information of the CCCB
Prices
- Entrance to one exhibition: € 6
- Entrance to two exhibitions: € 8
- On the other hand, the free admission days are Sundays from 15:00 to 20:00 (with further previous reservation online). In addition: International Museum Day, Museum Night and La Mercè Festivities.
Una publicación compartida de CCCB (@cccb_barcelona)
How to get there
Address: Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, Montalegre, 5, 08001 Barcelona
- By metro: L1, L2, L3, L6, L7
- By train: R1, R3, R4, R12, RG1, S1, S2, S5, S6, S7
- Parking: Carrer dels Àngels, Plaça Castella, Plaça Catalunya
Contact: (+34) 933 064 100
Opening hours
- Exhibitions and Xcèntric Archive: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 11.00 – 20.00; In the same vein, Mondays and holidays is closed
- Closing days: December 25 and January 1
Days with reduced hours (11.00 – 15.00): December 24, 26 and 31 and January 5 and 6 - CCCB Archive: Tuesday to Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.