As years pass by, we meet people who will impact our lives forever. That’s exactly what Eusebi Güell did with Antoni Gaudí, one of the greatest architects that Barcelona has ever seen. The impact Eusebi had on Gaudí’s life is significant and cannot be easily forgotten, so it’s worth getting to know more about the First Count of Güell.
A gaze through the life of Eusebi Güell
Eusebi Güell was born in Barcelona city during the 19th century. He was the son of one of the richest men in Spain, Joan Güell I Ferrer, and Francesca Bacigalupi I Dolcer, originally from Genoa and part of an old merchant family.
Thanks to his roots, Eusebi grew up with one thing in mind: keep his father’s business alive. But there was also something else: Eusebi had a notorious interest in art.
This was pretty common at the time and many artists were creating unique pieces around the world. In Eusebi’s case, the art was closer than he realized.
Güell found a well-known “artist” named Antoni Gaudí, whom he met during a visit to Paris after the World Fair in 1878.
Eusebi Güell was amazed by Gaudí’s work. It inspired him to become the “Mediciesque” of Antoni Gaudí. This led to countless collaborations that helped Gaudí become one of the most influential “artists” that Spain, and especially Barcelona, has ever seen.
Gaudí and Güell collaborations
Eusebi Güell took Antoni Gaudí as his personal collaborator. He had in mind notable buildings that he wanted to create, and once he saw the work of Gaudí, he knew that he could rely on the talent of his new protege to bring his ideas to life. They likely didn’t realize it at the time, but Gaudí’s collaboration with Güell would give birth to famous architectural wonders worldwide. While only a handful of their artworks remain, those that have lasted are enough to make an impact on history. The ones I’ve mentioned below are part of the best family-friendly Barcelona Activities anyone can enjoy while they’re visiting the city:
- Colònia Güell, located at Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Barcelona.
- Park Güell, located in Barcelona.
- Palau Güell, located in Barcelona.
- Pabellones Güell de Pedralbes, located in Barcelona.
- Bodega Güell, located in Garraf, Barcelona.
Oddly enough, most people in Gaudí didn’t like what was creating. They thought his architecture was somehow weird. Even stranger to the people at the time is that Gaudí didn’t limit himself to a single style throughout his life. However, Güell didn’t just “like” the work from Gaudí, he respected and understood it. Today, many enthusiasts would credit Gaudí as being well ahead of his time.
Eusebi Güel’s mark in Barcelona
People might think that Güell’s only mark on Barcelona was few a architectural pieces. That’s not completely true, but, indeed, his legacy has somehow been largely forgotten.
Back in the day, Güell took his father’s spot. He became rich at a very young age thanks to the value he brought to his father’s company, which largely dealt with textile work. He kept it going for years until he died.
Eusebi Güell was a well-respected person, and thanks to his work alongside Gaudí, he gained prominence in Barcelona. He was even designated a Count, the first one of his family, by King Alfonso XII in 1908.
So, we just can’t talk about Gaudí’s work without also discussing Eusebi Güell, his collaborator and lifelong friend.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.
If you’d like to know more about the works I’ve been discussing, check out our Instagram profile and you’ll be amazed by all of the wonderful pieces found there.
Thanks so much for your time and see you in my next post!
Bye Bye
