In almost all Spanish cities you visit you will see, written on some walls, the term “Prohibido fijar carteles” in very large letters. This means that if someone hangs a sign, whether advertising, political or informative, in that place shall be punished with a fine. As an allusion to this common phrase in the Barcelona streets, this shop located in the Born district sells posters, papers and old books, making it one of the largest posters collection of the last century, as well as photographs and prints, everything owned by Ignasi Solé i Sugranyes.
So important is the city development, modernization and adaptation to new times, as it is to preserve the memory of the city so that later generations can understand what happened in it and know where their ancestors lived in. Places like “Prohibido fijar carteles” are responsible for this and represent a generation of scholars, collectors, antiquarians and investigators who contribute to the expansion and preservation of knowledge that would be “orphaned” if they weren’t exist. Within its walls we can find political posters from different periods (Spanish Civil War, Catalanism, etc.), advertising on various topics (hygiene, cleaning, feeding, etc.), sporting or musical events that have taken place worldwide (’92 Olympics among others) games, fairs, exhibitions such as the 1929 Universal Exhibition, artistic movements such as Modernism, and many more.
You can find posters of national its but also international, as well as well-known or anonymus artists, with prices as varied as their offer (from 50 to 2.000 euros), all carefully stored and classified. The business was formerly known as “Llibres i papers antics” (books and old papers), hence the name of the web, but gradually grew into this excellent overview of the history that will evoke memories of many and provide new insights to take with you. Definitely one of the most charming places in this neighborhood in the historic center of Barcelona, so ShBarcelona recommends you to visit it.
If you want to check their stock please go to their website and make an appointment to enter the place, and before take a good look of the online store because you might miss some of the most valuable pieces.
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