Forty five years after the first Exhibition held in 1966, this year various events and activities were planned to revive the fortunes of this important professional event. Among these was the honouring of four people who were not only part of its history but had made outstanding contributions by their excellent human and professional qualities.
The Salesian Euniciano Martin was one of the four. As the representative of the Salesian Vocational Schools in Barcelona-Sarriá, he has collaborated with the Graphispag from its very beginnings in the 50s of the last century, providing support for the Graphics Industry by means of the specialised professional training of young apprentices.
On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the founding of Salesian work in Barcelona, it was noted that the Sarriá School of Graphic Arts was the first of its kind in Spain, founded in 1887 forming part of the Salesian Works – erected in 1884 – and visited by Don Bosco in 1886.
After this visit Don Bosco wrote to the Salesian Cooperator Dorotea di Chopitea asking her to help the Salesian Missions. She replied: “At the moment it is not possible since I have to make considerable donations to the Press in the Workshops we have here.” Witness to this are the publications and books still preserved which were produced at that time in the school with the elementary equipment then available.
Since then the name of the Salesians in the city has been linked to the teaching of the Graphic Arts and there have been a great number of technicians and business men trained at the Salesian School of Graphic Arts in Sarriá.
The honour bestowed and the memories recalled at the Graphispag and the Barcelona Fair are a mark of respect and recognition for all the Salesians who have worked and are still working for young people in the the world of the Graphic Arts.
Published 01/04/2011
