Of all the architects in history, nobody has a more distinctive style than Antoni Gaudí. Born in Catalonia in 1852, Gaudí lived and worked in Barcelona for the majority of his life, and his unique brand of modernist architecture left an indelible mark on the character of the city. You can always tell when a building was designed by Gaudí: inspired by the forms and processes of the natural world, his buildings seem strangely organic and alive. In the words of art historian Nikolaus Pevsner, Gaudi’s works grow ‘like sugar loaves and anthills’.
But Gaudí’s most famous work of all is the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Though still incomplete, it’s among the world’s most iconic churches, with its instantly-recognisable spires and its strikingly-detailed sculptures. Of course, unusual buildings like this are bound to divide opinion: George Orwell once called it ‘one of the most hideous buildings in the world’. Still, the church draws an estimated 3 million visitors every year, so clearly some people like it!
This design shows the Sagrada Familia’ ‘Passion Façade’, dedicated to the Passion of the Christ and intended to strike fear into visitors. Looking to add a little architectural flair to your kitchen? Then this tea towel is the perfect thing for you.
