Modernist Streetlamps

In Barcelona modernism is not limited to buildings and sculptures created by famous artists. At the height of this architectural style's popularity, many artists applied it to all kinds of decorative elements. Balconies, wrought iron, ceramics, glassworks and streetlamps all offered the perfect excuse for letting the imagination run wild. The only taboo was the straight line. This architectural delirium affected all elements associated with a building, including doors, iron fittings and furnishings etc.

Architecture began to incorporate a fantastical bestiary and took on forms that were previously unimaginable. The Passeig de Gràcia is one of the best settings in which to sample this architectural flight of fancy. One of the most significant elements, other than the buildings that line the avenue, are the classic streetlamp-benches installed in 1906. The architect Pere Falquès combined utilitarian function with decorative design in these truly unique urban elements.

Nowadays, several streetlamp-benches can be spotted along the avenue. For example, one of them adorns the corner where Passeig de Grácia and Calle Valencia meet, immediately in front of the Hotel Majestic.