It is regrettable that some sculptures by the preeminent artist Joan Rebull are in the news for the inconsiderate treatment to which they have been condemned during the rehabilitation of the Casal Sant Jordi. First you have to locate the building. This formidable work that marks with authority, style and elegance the corner of Casp and Pau Claris streets is very popular, thanks to its visibility. And since it is on the sea side and Pau Claris Street has descending circulation, its presence is imposed. The color of the façade, more Central European than Mediterranean, attracts attention. And also the rhythm of the openings. The ground floor was used for commercial establishments, the next four floors for offices, the top three for the owner's family and the top floor for Tecla Sala, owner and great textile businesswoman. One ahead of the time.
The author of the masterful project was Francesc Folguera. The work was completed in 1930. And the following year, that notable façade began to be decorated with some author's works that gave it greater personality. The entrance door was framed with two notable landscape reliefs (225 x 80 cm) chiseled in marble by Rebull with reclining figures that embody Industry and Commerce. Such delicate works, despite being in a dangerous point, did not deserve to be protected when the works began in the lower part. They spent months outdoors. And fortunately they were not damaged. My alarmed warning contributed to their immediate protection.
Right now another absurdity has just been added: half of the scaffolding that covered the lower façade has been dismantled, the relief corresponding to this area has lost its protection as it has been left uncovered, despite the fact that the work continues right next to it. A person in charge of this rehabilitation carried out by Addenda Architects reassured worried observers by stating that all the details would be taken care of. The worst was about to happen, and I'm not exaggerating.
This being the case, what just happened was no longer surprising: when the scaffolding on the other side was installed a week ago, the colossal sculpture of Sant Jordi has not received the slightest protection: the tubes and platforms almost touch its body.
This sculpture chiseled in white marble measures five and a half meters, dominates the center of the façade and is located between the sixth and seventh floors. It seems incredible what Rebull's three works have been suffering from. He is notoriously reckless and has an elementary lack of professionalism, ignoring all basic regulations. After having warned, as I write these lines today, Tuesday the 16th, both the relief and the large sculpture have still not received the due and obligatory protection.
