Since its inception, Cartier has contributed to the legacy of craftsmanship and skilled artisans by helping to preserve the transmission of their unique talents. This year it will celebrate artisanal culture with its participation in the European Artistic Craft Days.
Cartier is recognised as a benchmark in the world of luxury and synonymous with open-mindedness and curiosity. The exclusivity of craftsmanship is reflected in the creation of extraordinary pieces that are displayed in Cartier boutiques around the world. This year the French brand will participate in the European Artistic Craft Days from 27 March to 1 April.
European Artistic Craft Days: a tribute to craft culture
The European Artistic Craft Days are the largest annual international event dedicated to crafts and living heritage. They were created in 2002 by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA), the French state institution that promotes the growth of the craft industry. Each year, for one week, they offer the general public a unique encounter with artistic craftsmen. This year, it is being held simultaneously in 24 countries, with Spain being the country of honour for this 17th edition.
Boutique Cartier Barcelona. Photo: Manolo Yller.
Cartier commemorates its legacy of craftsmanship
On the occasion of its first year of participation in the European Artistic Crafts Days (EACD), Cartier invites the public to selected boutiques to discover exceptional works of art and their secrets through an exclusive experience in the presence of their creators. In Geneva, Copenhagen and Barcelona, visitors will be able to meet the Facade Boutique Cartier Barcelona. Photo:Manolo Yller.artisans and immerse themselves in the world of their craftsmanship. Sketches, tools, materials, photographs and videos of the workshops will enhance visitors’ understanding of the various stages of the entire creative process.
Mosaic Livia Garreta and stained glass Jorge Aragone. Photo: Manolo Yllera.
For more than 10 years, the Maison has been commissioning renowned craftsmen to create specially commissioned works for its boutiques. By their very nature, these commissions are of crucial importance to the craftsmen. They often require lengthy preparatory research and make use of little-known or even unpublished techniques. The designs come from archival drawings or contemporary creations, all of which are emblematic of Cartier. These works, conceived according to their location, very often make reference to the culture of the country.
Cartier boutique in Barcelona: committed to local craftsmanship
The design of the Cartier boutique in Barcelona highlights the work of three local artisans, who have become a flagship of artistic craftsmanship and a demonstration of Cartier’s commitment to the preservation and transmission of valuable know-how such as craftsmanship. Through their works, they have imbued the space with the spirit and vibrant light of the city.
Stained glass windows Jorge Aragone and floral composition Sophie Aguilera. Photo:Manolo Yllera.
Jorge Aragone: a master in the art of stained-glass windows
The stained glass windows have been created by the craftsman, Jorge Aragone, over the course of forty years in the trade, he has carried out important restorations and creations of new works. These include the Casa Batlló (Gaudí) and the Hospital de Sant Pau (Doménech i Montaner). In this case, the artist has created an impressive stained glass window that crowns the boutique’s colourful interior garden. On the other hand, the unique stained glass windows at the entrance recall the Maison’s jewellery, taking as a reference a brooch created by Louis Cartier at the beginning of the 20th century.
Jorge Aragone, artist in charge of the stained glass windows. Photo: Manolo Yllera.
Livia Garreta: the art of mosaics
The mosaic artist Livia Garreta has been in charge of creating the floors of the boutique from her well-known atelier in Barcelona’s Grácia neighbourhood. An expert in restorations and artistic mosaic creations, she has participated in the recovery of important modernist buildings in the city, such as the Mercat de la Boqueria and the Hospital de Sant Pau. For the flooring, she has used different materials and traditional techniques such as glass and trencadís, in order to illuminate the boutique, with different shades of stones flanked with shades of gold arranged in undulating forms that refer to the fluidity of the sea.
Livia Garreta, mosaic artist. Photo: Manolo Yllera.
Sophie Aguilera: an aesthetic revolution in ceramics
Another artist who joined the boutique has been created by the Barcelona sculptor and artist, Sophie Aguilera, who specialises in ceramic creations. For the area dedicated to diamonds, Sophie has created a floral composition with small pieces of white ceramic, with matt and lacquered finishes, inspired by the spirit of freedom of Mediterranean brides, creating a play of natural light where some pieces in gold stand out, reminiscent of the reflections of the sun.
Sophie Aguilera, ceramic artist (floral composition). Photo: Manolo Yllera.
From Monday, March 27th to Saturday, April 1st, visitors to the Cartier boutique will be able to discover the work of the three local artisans through different guided tours that will be organised every day. To access these tours, visitors must register on the following website.
Images courtesy of the brand. Photographer: Manolo Yllera.
