Àngel Pla

Àngel Pla
Born	1930 Barcelona, Spain
Died	Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Occupation(s)	Woodcarver, artisan, bookstore manager
Years active	1958–2021
Known for	Traditional Catholic woodcarving, polychrome techniques, representations of the Virgin Mary

Àngel Pla (1930 – 26 February 2021) was a woodcarver of Spanish origin who gained Andorran nationality, renowned for his expertise in traditional Catholic art and polychrome techniques, with a particular focus on representations of the Virgin Mary. From 1970 until shortly before his passing, he managed a workshop located in the historic district of Andorra la Vella. In addition to his carving work, he ran a bookstore during the 1980s. Pla was recognized as one of the few remaining skilled woodcarvers and artisans practicing professionally in Andorra.

Life

Pla was born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1930 and spent his early childhood in France until 1936, after which he returned to Spain. Between the ages of 17 and 20, he studied at the Escola de la Llotja in Barcelona, an institution specializing in arts and design, while simultaneously completing an apprenticeship.

In 1958, he relocated to Andorra to join Jaume Bordas’s workshop on Avenida Meritxell as a craftsman. This move placed him among a group of Spanish artists who settled in Andorra during that era, including sculptor Sergi Mas and poet Esteve Albert i Corp.

Pla established his own workshop in 1970 at Monjó Square within Andorra la Vella’s Old Town, where he continued his craft until shortly before his death. His wood sculptures were sought after by prominent collectors such as Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa. Apart from his carving career, Pla managed the Eureka bookshop on Carrer de la Vall throughout the 1980s.

He passed away at age 91 on 26 February 2021 in Andorra la Vella due to COVID-19, during the global pandemic. Local reports highlighted him as one of the last professional woodcarvers and artisans actively working in Andorra.