Jordi Vilanova i Bosch

JORDI VILANOVA I BOSCH (Barcelona, 1925–1998).
Decorative panel.
Solid wood and four original silkscreen prints.
Measurements: 125 x 140 x 2.5 cm.
This room divider, designed by Jordi Vilanova i Bosch, is a representative example of the renewal of Spanish design in the second half of the 20th century, when formal modernity was reconciled with the revival of Mediterranean craft traditions. The wooden structure features a latticework composition of great geometric balance that houses four decorative panels. These panels depict motifs deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture—a tree, a rooster, a boat, and a bird—iconography inspired by traditional socarrats, the famous Valencian ceramic tiles decorated with pigments in earthy tones and black on a light background. These images, symbolic and folk in character, establish a dialogue between artisanal tradition and the refined language of modern design.
Jordi Vilanova i Bosch (Barcelona, 1925–1998) was one of the leading innovators in furniture design in Spain and a prominent advocate of Scandinavian influence, promoting the use of natural wood without glossy varnishes. His work is characterized by functionality, simplicity, and a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modernity. Trained at the Escuela de la Lonja and the Busquets workshop, he pursued a prolific career as an interior designer, cabinetmaker, and designer. Although his designs were intended for a broad audience and small homes, they were particularly well received by the Catalan bourgeoisie. Especially renowned for his children’s furniture, he won the Silver Delta Award in 1964 for the Delta stool. He held exhibitions of his work in the Scandinavian countries. Among his most representative designs are the Tiracord and Billar chairs (1961), the Montseny MP bunk bed (1961), the Tartera (1966) and Petit (1978) rocking chairs, and the Z magazine rack (1987)—the latter designed in collaboration with his son, Pau Vilanova Vila-Abadal. His designs are part of the history of Spanish design and are currently on display at the Barcelona Design Museum.