The International Trade Fair in Barcelona in 1942: a Look at Furniture in the Franco Era

Abstract

This article studies the furniture present at the Xth Barcelona International Trade Fair in 1942, the first one after the Civil War. It is important to point out that the Franco regime tried to use this Fair as a propaganda device, as well as to reactivate the local and national economy, and internationalize the autarchic industries. The study focuses on the wood industry and the commercial and aesthetic relations with all invited countries, as well as with the Moroccan protectorate, and with Equatorial Guinea (a Spanish colony at the time, and source of exotic woods). The study also delves into the relationships between various local decoration and furniture companies and the Fair. In addition, it aims to create a typology of the different pieces of furniture that appeared at the event to draw a working hypothesis about the evolution of furniture during this period.