On Wednesday, 25 March 2026, Jordi Aguilera Gassó, manager of Bòbila Aguilera, received the diploma accrediting him as a Master Craftsman, as part of the National Crafts Awards. The award was presented to him by the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and the Minister for Business and Labour, Miquel Sàmper, at an event organised by the Consortium for Trade, Crafts and Fashion of Catalonia.
This recognition represents a new motivation to continue practising the craft with the pride and dignity it deserves, and highlights a career marked by effort, perseverance and a commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Taking on the generational succession under the threat of closure
In 2022, Jordi Aguilera took over Bòbila Aguilera following the death of his father, becoming the fifth generation at the helm of this century-old brickworks. His first major challenge was to prevent the imminent closure of the company, threatened by the expansion of the C-15 road, which put its continuity at risk.
After exhausting all legal avenues without success, Aguilera made a final appeal through the media. This action helped bring visibility to the issue and, ultimately, the Department of Territory decided to modify the route of the expansion, thereby saving the brickworks.
Four years later, Jordi Aguilera has continued to work, specialise and innovate within his craft. During this period, he has focused on improving the quality of his products and has collaborated with leading architectural firms, companies across the country, heritage projects and private clients, establishing himself as a benchmark in the field of ceramic craftsmanship.
At the same time, he has driven a transition towards a more sustainable production model, incorporating a 100% biomass firing system, with the aim of reducing environmental impact and ensuring a more environmentally responsible production process.
A recognition of the effort to preserve his craft
This recognition as a Master Craftsman comes as the culmination of a journey marked by difficulties, but also by learning and achievements. “It is proof that, despite the challenges, effort is rewarded and that the work done can also be valued by institutions,” Aguilera points out.
With this recognition, the importance of preserving traditional crafts—many of which are at risk of disappearing—is further reinforced, highlighting the need to safeguard their future. Jordi Aguilera affirms that he will continue working with the same commitment: “We will keep fighting with pride, but above all, working.”
