Àngel Pla (1930 –26 February 2021) was a Spanish-born Andorran wood carver specializing in traditional Catholic art and polychrome, especially the Virgin Mary.[1][2] Pla operated his workshop in the old town of Andorra la Vella from 1970 until shortly before his death.[1] According to Ràdio i Televisió d'Andorra, Pla was one of the few remaining professional woodcarvers and artisans working in Andorra.[2][3]
Pla was born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1930.[1][4] He was raised in France until 1936, when the family returned to Spain.[4] Pla attended Escola de la Llotja, an arts and design school in Barcelona, while working as an apprentice, from the age of 17 until he was 20 years old.[4]
He moved to Andorra in 1958 to accept a job offer as a craftsman in the workshop of Jaume Bordas, on Avenida Meritxell.[1][2][4] Pla was one of a number of Spanish artists to settle in Andorra during the era, including sculptor Sergi Mas [fr] and poet Esteve Albert i Corp [es].[1]
In 1970, Pla opened his landmark workshop on the Monjó Square in Andorra la Vella's Old Town.[1] He continued to carve in his shop until shortly before his death.[1] Notable collectors of his carvings include Peruvian writer, Mario Vargas Llosa.[1] In addition to art, Pla owned and operated the Eureka bookshop, which opened on the Carrer de la Vall in the 1980s.[1]
Àngel Pla died in Andorra la Vella on 26 February 2021, at the age of 91, from COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Andorra.[1][3]
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