Casa FERRÁN (Ferrán House), 1910 by MONGUIÓ. Teruel (Spain)

Teruel (Aragon. Spain) was the starting point of the original idea about the present project. Consequently, it is going to be the second stop in our artistic journey. Architecture will be the focus to enjoy a wider perspective of Art Deco.

The uniqueness of Teruel lies not only in its superb gastronomy, but also in architecture. Unexpectedly, this jewel of the Mudejar style, (13th to 14th centuries) holds magnificent civil buildings following the Art Deco patterns.

Casa Ferrán (Ferrán House), 1910, by Monguió.
Pervading Art Deco style invites the observer to discover the elements which have been used, and to relish the expressiveness of the materials. Stone, iron and wood, combine in a handcraft symphony  according to the rules of Art Deco. Assymetry and  undulation, transform the building  materials into dynamic compositions. Therefore, shapes become powerful and well-balanced.

This spectacular building was refurbished in 1976 by the architect Carlos Ferrán. Keeping the most interesting elements, such as the stairs, which communicate the different floors, establishing a relationship among banisters, passages, iron columns, and furniture.

The Ferrán family have been working in the textile business before 1820. It seems the oldest boutique in Spain, and probably in Europe too. (www.ferranteruel.com). Actually, Art Deco is strongly related to the local bourgeoise. They pretended to rival the former aristocracy. Pablo Monguió i Segura who came from Tarragona, will design the new buildings. Master craftmen from Teruel would make it feasible.

Civil architecture embodies the most vigorous facet of Art Deco. Blocks of flats are arranged in a more rational manner (including bathing and personal hygiene facilities). Whereas sumptuous façades would develop three basic elements, front door, hallway, and staircase.

Pablo Monguió i Segura is an essential artist  thanks to his long stay in Teruel from 1897 to 1923 (not taking into account his moving to Tortosa from 1902 to 1908).

Art Nouveau, The Glasgow School and Viennese Secession artistic expression languages, plus the architect Lluís Domênech personal influence can be traced in his works. La Casa del Torico (The Tiny Bull House), and  the narrow façade of La Madrileña are salient examples.

Nonetheless, Casa Ferrán is Monguió’s most ambitious and thrilling building.

The dynamism and freedom the artist exhibits in the balconies structure is evident. Especially, on the corner of the building, which is definitely the greatest achievement.

Nature stands out as a main source of inspiration. Animal and vegetal symbolism. For instance, butterflies, stems, leaves and a variety of flowers.

The poetry of iron executed by Matías Abad, a blacksmith from Teruel, is such a delightful view.

To conclude our artistic tour, I would like to show you a further selection of cast iron works of art which you come across walking around the arresting and charming city of Teruel…