Pere Cosp

PERE COSP (Barcelona, 1907–2007).
Side table with drawer, 1940s–1950s.
Beech wood.
Measurements: 40 x 74 x 71 cm.

The side table with drawer designed by Pere Cosp, now up for auction, stands out for embodying the values that made this designer a leading figure in contemporary Catalan design and cabinetmaking: a commitment to craftsmanship, structural integrity, and the reinterpretation of traditional forms through a modern, refined aesthetic. The piece combines a structure with simple lines with a striking, sculptural stepped top, where the quality of the wood, the precision of the joints, and the hallmarks of finishes take center stage.

As we can see, far removed from industrial production, Cosp conceived furniture with a strong formal identity and exceptional craftsmanship, transforming functional objects like this chest of drawers into signature pieces that reflect the close relationship between design, craftsmanship, and Mediterranean tradition.

Pere Cosp was an interior designer and designer from Barcelona. Largely self-taught, Pere Cosp reoriented the family’s artisan workshop toward interior design and comprehensive decoration. The profession allowed him to give free rein to his creative talent, intentionally distancing himself from the fashions and trends of the time. Evidence of the nonconformist and restless spirit that defined him can be seen in his furniture designs, which still retain an innovative and unconventional spirit today. Cosp attended the School of Arts and Fine Crafts and took perspective classes with Professor Arola. But what mattered most to him was the practical side: working in the family workshop and experiencing firsthand all the crafts practiced there—gilding, moldings, and all kinds of restoration work. He also worked with the furniture maker Alonso and the interior decorator Parcerises. Pere Cosp was a pioneer in the use of what we might call humble materials—such as pine wood, particleboard, raffia, and so on—which he elevated through his treatments and applications. He often collaborated with other trades: in the field of metalwork, he worked with Biosca y Botey and Pere Peronella. His lamp bases, wall sconces, outdoor garden furniture, and an extensive collection of knobs and handles are all part of this tradition of collaboration. The decoration of these elements or the final finish was always done in the workshop. He created combinations of great beauty: stone, marble—Torra Passani was the main supplier—mosaics, in collaboration with Bru; glass, Granell; enamel, Morató; and lacquers. Throughout his 50-year career, he transformed about a hundred private homes into modern residences, often ahead of their time. His personal touch permeated every corner of the home: he planned the layout of spaces, designed the furniture, and decided on even the smallest decorative details.