ANITA GISPERT:
The Photographer of Caldes

Anita Gispert Vila was Spain’s first registered female documentary photographer, capturing the essence of early 20th-century society.

From 1911 to 1930, she served as the official photographer for Caldes de Montbui, a thermal bath town in Catalonia.

While portrait photography was common at the time, she ventured beyond that, documenting local festivities, the lives of residents, construction projects, and even crime scenes.
Her work earned her recognition among the elite, and she won several photography awards. Additionally, she was a pioneer in her use of techniques for developing images, such as multiple exposures and hand-colouring.

Unfortunately, over time, both her contributions and her identity faded into obscurity. She signed her photographs simply as ‘A. Gispert,’ which led many people to overlook the woman behind the signature.

Client:
(A-Z)
Ajuntament de Caldes de Montbui
Museu THERMALIA

 

VIDEO

 

EXHIBITION

Anita Gispert: The Photographer of Caldes
Exhibiting @THERMALIA History Museum

Roles: Curator, XD, Film director
Commissioned by THERMALIA History Museum, Ajuntament de Caldes, Diputació de Barcelona

Anita Gispert: The Photographer of Caldes
@THERMALIA History Museum

Today, Anita’s legacy is celebrated through the exhibition Anita Gispert: The Photographer of Caldes.

The exhibition highlights her pioneering contributions as a photographer, showcasing her portrayal of society at the beginning of the 20th century and prior to the Spanish Civil War. It also emphasizes the importance of honouring women’s roles in history.

Additionally, the experience encourages viewers to reflect on their ancestors and appreciate the value of visual archives.

Dates: 12 October 2024 – 30 March 2025
Location: @THERMALIA History Museum, Caldes de Montbui, Spain

The Living Room Replica:

A Collective Archive of Caldes

Visitors to the THERMALIA Museum can discover the story of Anita Gispert Vila while also engaging with heritage themes through interactive experiences.

One highlight is a recreated living room wall featuring portraits of the grandparents and great-grandparents of the citizens of Caldes de Montbui.

These photographs were gathered through a community open call initiated by the museum, encouraging residents to explore their family archives and contribute their private, often forgotten, ancestral memories to the exhibition.

The PhotoBooth

Visitors can capture their own portraits at an interactive photo booth featuring a life-sized replica of Anita and period costumes, offering an immersive glimpse into early 20th-century photography.

 

QR CODE ROUTE (PUBLIC SPACE)

Itinerary Anita Gispert: QR code route
Public Space intervention

Roles: Curator, XD
Commissioned by Ajuntament de Caldes, Diputació de Barcelona

Public Space intervention:
QR Code Route

Explore Caldes de Montbui Through Anita’s Lens

Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of Caldes de Montbui by following a permanent QR code route that showcases the town through the eyes of Anita Gispert Vila.

 This route offers an opportunity to experience the town and its residents as they were in the early 20th century, standing in the very places they once inhabited—like a window to the past.

As the visitors stroll through the streets, the route emphasizes Anita’s legacy, providing a deeper connection to her work and the rich history of the town.