Revista 010 - An interview with Eva Masoliver

Eva Masoliver is the owner of Taller Re, a family workshop dedicated to furniture restoration and upholstery located in the Sant Martí neighborhood of Barcelona. Eva Masoliver is the person responsible for upholstering the cushions of the Niu Armchair 001 and the Diari Chair 002.

SURU. How did your passion for repair and restoration begin?

E.M. I have always loved crafts since I was little, but when it was time to start working, I chose business administration. I quickly realized I didn’t like it. I was bored. A friend told me about a restoration school, so I went, and there I discovered this wonderful world.

SURU. What do you find most satisfying about your work?

E.M. Bringing pieces that are no longer useful or are badly damaged back to life and constantly learning. Every job is a challenge.

SURU. What is your day-to-day like?

E.M. Working from dawn to dusk, as my neighbors say.

SURU. Do you think artisan work adds a unique value to the manufacturing process of products and objects?

E.M. Well, my job is not to create, but of course, it adds unique value. It’s like buying a suit or having one custom-made. You choose the materials, sizes, and finishes you like, and you get a unique piece that is usually better made and more durable.

SURU. How do you see craftsmanship in Barcelona?

E.M. I believe that many artisanal businesses are currently opening in Barcelona, such as clothing, shoes, or ceramics. The problem is maintaining the business. At the beginning, it’s tough until you build a good customer base. Local rental prices don’t help either. You have to be patient and understand that you will work 24/7. It’s not easy, and you have to love what you do and also be good with people, as they say, because you are in direct contact with the customer.

SURU. Are you part of any collective?

E.M. I’m in touch with upholsterers in Barcelona, a group that is becoming rare but remains very united. We have a WhatsApp group where we help each other. It’s nice that there is no competition among us, but rather collaboration.

SURU. Finally, what are the challenges that artisans face today?

E.M. On one hand, financial challenges due to the cost of premises, materials, and selfemployment, and on the other, the fact that artisanal work is usually very slow, and we live in a world that moves very fast. It is difficult to make customers understand that the work takes time. All this makes the pieces more expensive, and many people don’t understand the value of the work and its exclusivity. Despite this, I can’t complain. I have been doing this for many years, and even though I work many hours, I love what I do.