Documentary set of the tiles by Xavier Nogués for the Agricultural Union of El Pinell del Brai

XAVIER NOGUÉS I CASAS (1873-1941)

Set of 12 vintage photographs, plus one modern, most with the seal of the photographer F. Serra from Barcelona. Almost all images are gridded and numbered by hand, to serve as a guide for their correct placement in the Union building.

The project was commissioned by architect César Martinell. César Martinell, upon learning of Nogués’ work for the Galeries Laietanes wineries, wanted to incorporate a frieze with similar characteristics for the Agricultural Union building.

The construction suffered delays and modifications due to lack of financing. And, although the commission for the frieze continued, they did not dare to place it in its final location until 1949. This delay meant that the frieze was saved from the Civil War.

Nogués, anticipating that the frieze would not be placed immediately, photographed it and numbered the pieces one by one so that, at the time, they would be placed in the correct order.