20th century history and architecture – Guerrero Strachan 📷 Málaga – Spain

There are opportunities that are truly unique, such as getting to know, through his work and his buildings, a figure who has been iconic and emblematic for the city. This is the case with Fernando Guerrero Strachan, a well-known architect who designed many of the city’s most important buildings; his architecture is art in itself and, when you see it, speaks for itself of its wonder.

The city’s Palacio de la Aduana, as I always mention, has a large hall dedicated to temporary exhibitions, and truly, all the ones I’ve seen are always well worth a visit. They are absolutely marvellous. This place is a museum, which in turn houses the Museum of Fine Arts, which I told you about a long time ago, where quality comes first, and I always say that any tourist visiting the city must not miss a visit to this venue.

In this case, I was able to appreciate and enjoy a beautiful exhibition of all the work this architect produced during his lifetime, spanning from 1880 to 1930. He was a central figure in the history of Málaga, coming from a family of architects, but also serving as mayor, academic and philanthropist.

I always find myself drawn to the detailed explanations provided for every exhibition the museum puts on; at every turn, I come across information on the subject. What’s more, the museum guides are always on hand to answer any questions, and that is the most important thing of all.

But turning to the Strachan exhibition itself, he blends historical elements into his architectural work, yet infuses it with his own personal style, which sets his designs apart from all others.

Seeing his work—each of the buildings he has been involved in and how he has imbued them with his own unique and personal touch—is wonderful; it truly stands out for its excellence and quality, offering a fantastic experience as you view both old photographs and the plans of the various buildings. The exhibition also showcased these buildings over time and their renovations.

It is architecture that is a delight to the eye, standing out in its surroundings, whether amongst other buildings or set within a natural environment or gardens. He was responsible for designing what was originally a house for a famous local couple, Tomás Bolín and Mercedes Martínez de las Rivas, in 1924, which later became the city’s College of Architects.

That is why, to mark the centenary of this building, this organisation put together this fabulous exhibition that you can see here. It allowed me to learn a great deal about the history of this remarkable figure, but also to explore the city as it was back then and see how the buildings have changed today, how they have been improved, and to browse through many display cases filled with plans from that era.

Architecture is a great art form, and in this case Strachan has that style which, as I said, cannot be confused with any other – beautiful designs that have become part of the local heritage. That is why the exhibition was called ‘More than a grain of sand’, because he leaves his mark on the city, his own distinctive stamp, especially for future generations.

During the tour, I was able to see plans of the city from times gone by, but also references to many aspects of the city in the 20th century.

One section discusses visitors to the city and how, amongst the buildings, the cathedral and many Islamic structures stood out at that time. But the main source of wonder for tourists was the landscape and the character of the people of Málaga, and I can assure you that this is exactly what caught my attention when I arrived. It has it all: mountains, sea, green spaces, so many natural settings that it seems nothing else is needed – and, of course, this goes hand in hand with the fabulous climate.

Many of the exhibition spaces were adorned or decorated with paintings that are usually housed in the Museum of Fine Arts and have been brought here to complement the theme of architecture; the result was truly spectacular, making the art exhibition all the more beautiful.

Another section discusses the sea and the port of Málaga as they modernise, viewed by locals, tourists and visitors alike as a dream destination, as well as being an important hub for trade and transport. The texts on the walls also link this modernity and the design of various parts of the port to literary influences.

Among the plans and works carried out by this important architect, I could see the church and residence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which I now know in person, and I was struck by seeing those plans. But I could also see the plans for the city’s cemetery, one located on the outskirts of the city which I have not yet visited.

Strachan was responsible for the construction of a large number of buildings, including many civil and religious structures during the era of early 20th-century bourgeois society, as well as various monuments in the city; yet in everything he did there was a touch of the Baroque, a hint of the medieval, depictions of human virtues and spirituality, and all of this made his style unique. I was thus able to see photographs of the town hall and the grand Hotel Miramar, one of the most luxurious in Málaga, and it was then that I realised this architect’s great works could be found practically all over the city.

In various parts of the large hall, there were many display cases containing old photographs and plans that were well worth seeing and admiring. A magnificent body of work by a true master.

I suppose as a form of decoration and to round off the exhibition, the museum displayed some archaeological pieces that I think I had seen in the storeroom area—where the items awaiting restoration are kept—and they were truly beautiful.

In the same area where these pieces were located, there were several inscriptions on the walls referring to the 19th-century confiscations that had transformed the city into a bourgeois one, with all that this entailed: the opening up of cloisters, the removal of walls, and much ancient architecture being brought to light; particular reference is made to the convents, their architecture and art. Much of this is on display in the Museum of Fine Arts within the palace, or the Aduana Museum.

Another section focuses on the architect, who was also a mayor, with a great capacity for work and a comprehensive vision for the city. He spearheaded many urban planning documents of great importance for Málaga. Once again, a large display case showcased many of his works in various plans, and the walls were filled with photographs of the different buildings found in several streets of the historic centre where Strachan has left his mark.

It also explains how, at that time, the bourgeoisie had chosen the eastern area as a symbol of paradise, in districts such as La Caleta, Miramar, Limonar and many others, offering idyllic locations with unique environmental and scenic qualities. The great architect’s work was also on display there. And, of course, there were plans on display, paintings that served as decoration referencing that part of the city, and another large display case with more works, as well as a wealth of historical information.

On one of the back walls, this phrase was written: Down with style! Does God have a style, after all?

In one of the areas at the back of the large hall, there was a section dedicated to the architect’s biography, his history and his working materials. It was interesting to get a glimpse into his life.

Strachan drew much inspiration from 17th- and 18th-century private architecture, where everything harmonised with the spirit of the place and the environment; there was complete harmony, and I could see this as I walked through different areas where his buildings, his style and many of his projects can be found throughout the city.

An architect with a distinctive style where harmony with the surroundings took precedence, yet situated at a moment in history when the city and its surroundings were experiencing modernity, a boom and prosperity, and he captured in many parts of the city of Málaga something that will remain in the history of all its inhabitants.

It has been a privilege to visit this great showcase of art, history and culture, as well as to learn so much more about the city where I live.

Thank you very much for joining me today; I send you my warmest regards. See you soon.
Amonet.