The history of Ceràmiques Coral Barcelona is the chronicle of a family saga that has been beautifying Barcelona since the late 19th century.
1st Generation: 1890 - 1910
Founding and Modernist Splendor
In March 1890, Josep Coral Guasch founded Productes Ceràmics Josep Coral. Initially located in a small shop at Calle Aribau, 21, the company specialized in the distribution of construction and decoration materials. In its early years, it became the main link between legendary factories such as La Cartuja de Sevilla (Pickman) and the growing Catalan bourgeoisie.
In 1910, business growth forced the relocation of the headquarters to Ronda de Sant Antoni, 43, adopting the commercial name Productos Cerámicos José Coral (mandatory translation to Spanish during that period).
2nd Generation: 1920 - 1975
Consolidation and Modernity
Under the leadership of his son, José Coral Casant, the firm modernized its logistics using Ford Model TT trucks (as seen in the 1923 image). This distribution capacity was essential for supplying projects for the 1929 International Exhibition, as well as the iconic hydraulic pavements and Nolla mosaics of the Eixample district. In 1931, the trade name was translated into Catalan as Productes Ceràmics Casa Coral.
The Strategic Relocation (1932): In 1932, the company moved to its current location at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 549. In 1939, due to the prohibition of the Catalan language during Franco's dictatorship, the name was simplified to Casa Coral, the name by which it was popularly known. In this building, the firm survived the social changes of the 20th century, the Civil War, and the post-war period.
3rd Generation: 1975 - 2014
Market Diversification
In 1975, under the direction of Montserrat Coral Rovira, the company was renamed Cerámicas Coral. A wider range of products was incorporated: sanitary ware, faucets, shower screens, and bathroom furniture, adapting to the aesthetic demands of the time.
4th Generation: 2014 - Present
A Living Legacy in the 21st Century
At the end of 2014, Oscar Vidal Coral took over the management, updating the name to Ceràmiques Coral Barcelona. Today, the company balances respect for traditional ceramics and hydraulic mosaics with new trends and technological innovation, such as digital printing.
Specialization and Commitment
Our main objective is to offer high-quality products, manufactured locally, that comply with EEC directives. Our specialization covers:
- Handcrafted Ceramics: Reproduction of tiles and hydraulic mosaic floors for the restoration of emblematic buildings.
- Variety of Styles: Antique, rustic, enameled ceramics, glazed tiles, hand-painted pieces, and terracotta.
- Custom Projects: Solutions to transform any space, from modern styles to rustic or classic. Reproduction of models and colors for landmark buildings.
- Other Projects: Supply for set dressing in the construction of scenery and atmosphere for audiovisual productions, films, and commercials.
Historical Fact: The naming of Gran Via
- The name of Barcelona's Gran Via has reflected the city's history:
- ● With the city's growth under the Cerdà Plan, streets didn't have names, but codes.
- ● Initially (1859 - 1863), it was simply known as Letter N (or Number 11).
- ● When urbanized on September 27, 1863, it was named Calle de las Cortes (official name in Spanish) following Víctor Balaguer's proposal.
- ● 1931: With the Second Republic, it was officially Catalanized to Avinguda de les Corts Catalanes.
- ● March 7, 1939: After the Civil War, it was renamed Avenida de José Antonio Primo de Rivera for 40 years.
- ● June 22, 1979: With democracy, the original Catalan name was restored, adding "Gran Via" as it was the popular name: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.
Historical Fact: Evolution of the trade name
- The firm's commercial name has been a faithful reflection of the city's history, adapting to the political fluctuations of each era. Due to different social circumstances, the official name oscillated between Catalan and Spanish, witnessing the evolution of our identity for over a century:
- ● 1890: Productes ceràmics Josep Coral.
- ● 1910: Productos Cerámicos Jose Coral (mandatory translation to Spanish).
- ● 1930: Productes ceràmics Casa Coral (return to Catalan).
- ● 1930: Productos Cerámicos Casa Coral (mandatory translation to Spanish).
- ● 1931: Productes Ceràmics Casa Coral (return to Catalan).
- ● 1939: Casa Coral (simplification to avoid language prohibitions during the dictatorship).
- ● 1980: Cerámicas Coral (popular name at the time).
- ● 2014: Ceràmiques Coral Barcelona (current name).
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