This morning, a delegation from the
World Association of Brick Artists
, led by Robert Harrison, Gwen Heeney, and Ulla Viotti, visited the facilities of Bòbila Aguilera to observe the craftsmanship we develop and to invite us to take part in the upcoming
Congress and Assembly of the International Academy of Ceramics
, which will take place in Barcelona from September 12 to 16, 2016.
This congress, now celebrating its 47th edition, is conceived as a space for meeting, study, and debate among around 300 academics from all over the world. It is organised by the Associació de Ceramistes de Catalunya and the International Academy of Ceramics itself. This year, it is co-organised by the Barcelona City Council and the Generalitat de Catalunya (CCAM and the Department of Culture), with the collaboration of other public institutions, museums, associations, art galleries, and companies. This represents broad political, social, and cultural support that guarantees the excellence and success of this important international ceramic event.
During the visit, the delegation showed great interest in the artisanal processes used by Bòbila Aguilera to create its characteristic bricks, blocks, adobes, and tiles. They also highlighted our efforts to preserve this millenary craft, of which only a little more than two examples remain in all of Catalonia, including Bòbila Aguilera.
At the end of the visit, the three representatives presented us with a book created by WABA (World Association of Brick Artists) about the last Simposium i Exhibició hosted by the Catherinesminde Brickworks Museum between 2011 and 2013. They also invited us to take part in the upcoming Congress, where they plan to showcase artistic works created using unique pieces from Bòbila Aguilera.
It was truly an honour and a pleasure to enjoy such a remarkable visit with renowned artists from the worlds of architecture and craftsmanship, which once again proves that traditional craft is back in vogue.
