Gaudí, renowned for his architectural masterpieces, also exhibited his genius in more mundane arts such as furniture and decorative elements. Although these pieces may fade with time, many have been preserved in museums and private collections, giving us a glimpse into the importance Gaudí attached to this art. In this article, we delve into his surviving works, organized according to the buildings they were originally designed for.
Gaudí's Approach to Furniture Design
Gaudí's furniture design was characterized by his use of iron as a structural element, merging functionality with aesthetics. Influenced by the French architect Viollet-le-Duc, Gaudí paid careful attention to the comfort and ergonomic aspects of his designs. He even conducted demonstrations to test the comfort of benches and chairs, ensuring they were tailored to human measures and anatomy.
Despite the abundance of Gaudí's furniture designs, each individual piece was often blended with other types of furniture, reflecting the fashion of the time and creating a unique sense of disorder.
Inventory of Gaudí's Furnishings
Let's take a chronological journey through Gaudí's remarkable furniture designs:
Gaudí's First Piece of Furniture
The first known work is Gaudí's own drafting table, a magnificent carpentry piece. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. Adorned with relief animal and floral motifs, the table showcased Gaudí's distinctive style.
Glass Display Case for the Eduard Comella Glove Factory at the Paris World's Fair (1878)
In a departure from conventional showcases of the time, Gaudí created an innovative glass case set upon a parquet platform. This allowed viewers to walk around the display, offering a complete look at the material inside. The success of this piece led to Gaudí's collaboration with Eusebi Güell for the Pantheon of the Sobrellano Palace.
Decoration of the Gibert Pharmacy (1879)
Although the building that housed the Gibert Pharmacy was demolished, a photograph remains as a testament to Gaudí's influence in its decoration.
Furnishings for the Pantheon of the Sobrellano Palace (1880)
Gaudí designed a set of neo-Gothic furnishings for the Sobrellano Palace, including walnut church pews, a ceremonial chair, a kneeler, and two walnut stools. These pieces, completed in 1880, can be admired at the Sobrellano Palace in Comillas, Spain.
Furnishings for the Palau Güell (1886-1889)
Highly original and asymmetrical, the furnishings for the Palau Güell were crafted by F. Vidal. Notable pieces include a chair, chaise-longue, and dressing table. Gaudí's avant-garde designs, like the dressing table with its innovative mirror, showcased his commitment to functionality and comfort.
Furnishings for the Sagrada Família (1889)
Wooden pieces, including armoires, church pews, candelabra, and a confessional, were created for the Sagrada Família at Joan Munné's workshops. These furnishings exuded Gaudí's meticulous attention to detail and served both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Furnishings for Casa Calvet (1898-1900)
Gaudí designed an array of furniture for Casa Calvet, including armless chairs, stools, armchairs, and a three-seat sofa. Each piece, crafted with precision and incorporating iron and velvet, added a touch of elegance to the interiors.
Café Torino (1902)
While not fully involved in the project, Gaudí's role as a decorator can be seen in the Arab Room of Café Torino. He designed the chair rail, showcasing his keen eye for detail and the incorporation of unique elements.
Furnishings for Casa Batlló (1904-1906)
Among the furnishings of Casa Batlló, one can find an ash drop-leaf dining table, chairs, a seamstress' chair, a gossip chair, and various doors and panels. These designs exemplify Gaudí's innovative approach and mark a harmony between functionality and artistic expression.
La Pedrera (Casa Milà) (1905-1906)
Various oak and brass elements, including door jambs, benches, and armoire finials, were created for La Pedrera, showcasing Gaudí's attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The Palma de Mallorca Cathedral (1903-1914)
Gaudí's contributions to the Palma de Mallorca Cathedral include a folding step kneeler, a faldistori, a bell rest, and a wooden choir stand. These pieces, completed between 1904-1908, add a touch of Gaudí's artistic flair to the cathedral's interiors.
Furnishings for the Crypt of the Colònia Güell (1898-1916)
One notable piece created for the Crypt of the Colònia Güell is an oak and wrought iron church pew, showcasing Gaudí's ability to infuse beauty into functional elements.
Other Furniture
Other attributed works by Gaudí include the Orfeó Feliuà standard/crest, interior decorations of the basilica of Lluc, furniture for the monks of Jesus and Mary, and various crests and pieces for different establishments and individuals.
Gaudí's furniture designs are a testament to his immense creativity and dedication to every aspect of his architectural projects. Exploring his unique approach to furniture offers a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and the lasting legacy he left in the world of design.
Sources:
