BIBLIOPHILES ASSOCIATION OF BARCELONA
The Bibliophiles Association of Barcelona was founded in 1944 by a group of book lovers of Barcelona. Their general aim is to promote love for books in its most selective and refined manifestations. In order to achieve this, they try to disseminate the knowledge of those bibliographic treasures existing in our country, both in general or particular collections, looking after their conservation, organising exhibitions of printed works, illustrations, ex-libris, bindings, manuscripts and, in general, all manifestations of the art of the book, illustrations and printing. They conduct conferences and visits to libraries, and they take part in exhibitions and congresses. They have edited many publications, among which 27 books of high bibliophile level are highlighted.
THE MARIA CRISTINA MASAVEU PETERSON FOUNDATION IS MEMBER NUMBER 19 OF THIS ASSOCIATION.
“THE BIBLIOPHILES ASSOCIATION OF BARCELONA IS GOING TO BE CREATED”
“It will publish Selected Works of ancient and modern literature.”
Art Journal: ARTISTIC WORLD · ART RECORDS
FEBRUARY 1ST 1944
“The Bibliophiles Association of Barcelona is being organised and they aim at constituting the connection of the Spanish bibliophiles and even of the foreigners who love Spanish bibliographic jewels. Among the ambitious projects of the new Association, one can find the publication, exclusively for their partners, of at least a work every year, chosen from the most selective of our ancient and modern literature, illustrated and decorated by the most prestigious artists and printed by our most magnificent typographic authorities.
The members, who should not be more than one hundred, will meet monthly at an intimate act presided every time by a different partner, who will make a speech on the bibliographic subject he has chosen. They will acquire books destined for public libraries, exercising that way in Spain the role of those institutions called Friends of Public Libraries, so usual abroad.
They will organise exhibitions, conferences, visits to public and private libraries. They will edit bibliographic orientation manuals, and also a bulletin that becomes the organ of more activities and will support as many initiatives as will be suggested for the fomentation of good books. At present they count on the Duque of Alba, Mr. Miguel Mateu, etc. … and the first work to be edited by the Association will be “Song of Solomon”, by the distinguished Friar Luis de León. Fifteen hand-made pictures, painted by artist Segrelles, will illustrate each volume. The first activity of this new-born association has been the organisation of the exhibition on the bindings and Spanish enlightened books from 1750 to 1890, age of the great painter Vicente López who appeared in the rooms of the Vicereine Palace, together with the exhibition of the works by the eminent Valencian artist.”
