Olot Saints Museum

In the heart of the picturesque town of Olot, Spain, lies a hidden gem that beckons art enthusiasts and history buffs alike – the Olot Saints Museum, locally known as the Museo de los Santos de Olot. Nestled in a charming 19th-century neo-Gothic building, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of religious imagery and artisan craftsmanship that has defined the region for over a century.

A Journey Through Time

The Olot Saints Museum was inaugurated in 2007 with a mission to showcase the traditional craft of religious imagery making. This unique museum is housed in the historic building of El Arte Cristiano, the first workshop of its kind in Olot, founded in 1880 by Joaquim Vayreda, Josep Berga Boix, and Valentí Carrera. The museum not only celebrates the rich heritage of religious sculpture but also pays homage to other traditional crafts, popular culture, and the life and work of Marian Vayreda, a prominent painter and writer who lived in the building's first floor.

The Model Room

Your visit begins in the Model Room, an evocative space that resembles a storeroom filled with original pieces and models. These models, crafted from clay and later cast in a mixture of rabbit glue, plaster, and white of Spain, are the starting point for the creation of religious figures. The room is a treasure trove of history, with some pieces requiring separate molds for protruding elements like limbs, which are later attached to the main body. This meticulous process ensures the highest quality and fidelity in the final product.

Molding and Retouching

Descending to the basement, you enter the Molding and Retouching area, where the mass production of religious figures takes place. The process begins by securing the model in a frame, known as a charpa, and creating a gelatin mold. This mold, once solidified, is coated with wood paste and burlap to give the figure its final shape and strength. The figures are then dried and carefully demolded. The retouching phase is crucial, as artisans meticulously refine the figures, removing imperfections and attaching any separate parts. This is also where the delicate task of inserting glass eyes takes place, a skill mastered by only the most experienced craftsmen.

Painting and Decoration

On the ground floor, the figures come to life with vibrant colors and intricate decorations. Each piece is primed with a clear glue to seal any pores before being painted. The choice of decoration, whether it be polychrome, wood imitation, or gilded details, adds a unique character to each figure. The museum's collection includes a variety of styles, reflecting the diverse preferences of clients over the years. The final touches, such as crowns, crosses, and other accessories, are added to complete the figures, making them ready for display or sale.

Festive Imagery and Nativity Scenes

While the primary focus of Olot's workshops was religious imagery, they also produced festive figures, including giants and big-headed characters for local celebrations. The museum features some of these whimsical creations, such as the Giant and Giantess of Olot, crafted by Miquel Blay and Celestí Devesa under the guidance of Josep Berga i Boix. These figures, first paraded in 1889, replaced older giants attributed to sculptor Ramon Amadeu, whose works are also displayed nearby. The museum's collection includes pieces from the Renart collection, showcasing diverse elements related to nativity scenes, and figures by Ramon Amadeu, who sought refuge in Olot during the Spanish War of Independence.

The Saints of Olot and Marian Vayreda

In this section, visitors can explore the works of renowned sculptors who began their careers in Olot's workshops, such as Miquel Blay, Josep Llimona, Joaquim Claret, and Celestí Devesa. The museum also delves into the history of these workshops, highlighting their resilience during the Spanish Civil War when they adapted to produce educational busts, political figures, and decorative items to survive. Despite the challenges, some workshops continued to secretly produce religious figures, exporting them to South America to sustain their operations. This area of the museum also honors Marian Vayreda, who wrote much of his literary masterpiece La punyalada while living in the building.

Highlights and Curiosities

The Olot Saints Museum offers a captivating journey through the history and craftsmanship of religious imagery. Highlights include the intricate process of mold creation, where gelatin molds can be reused up to seven times, and the delicate art of setting glass eyes, sourced from Germany after the retirement of a local artisan. The museum also sheds light on the significant economic impact of the religious imagery industry in Olot, which once employed over 1,500 people across more than thirty workshops.

In conclusion, the Olot Saints Museum is more than just a repository of religious art; it is a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of its artisans. Whether you are an art aficionado, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about traditional crafts, this museum offers a unique and enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication behind each meticulously crafted figure.