Torres Balbás returns to the Alhambra

The Council of the Alhambra and Generalife is pleased to pay tribute to the man who was its architect-conservator for more than a decade (from 1923-1936), Leopoldo Torres Balbás (1888-1960). The numerous activities to be held in 2013 include publications, seminars, courses and lectures aimed at presenting a more detailed picture of the life and works of one of the “most brilliant” personalities in contemporary Spanish history and a pioneer in the field of scientific restoration.
The Alhambra will commence this programme of activities with an exhibition, due to be inaugurated in March, entitled Leopoldo Torres Balbás and scientific restoration. Housed in the Chapel and the Crypt of the Palace of Charles V, the exhibition, which after its stay in Granada will transfer to the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid, has over 250 pieces, most of which come from the Archives, the Library and the Museum of the Alhambra. Some pieces also come from Torres Balbás’ personal collection, which the Council of the Alhambra acquired recently.
Leopoldo Torres Balbás and the scientific restoration is divided into various sections, which range from his most personal, biographical side to his main restoration work in the Alhambra, and also describe the work he did in other places and his withdrawal from the world of monument restoration after the Civil War.
The exhibition’s main aim is to broaden our knowledge of Torres Balbás. There will be a reference section and several audiovisual exhibits which will take visitors on a graphic tour of his main interventions in the Alhambra, including the restoration of the Palace of the Lions and the Court of the Myrtles. He also restored the Partal and other parts of the Monument. It has always been said that the Alhambra owes him a great debt, a debt that will be difficult to settle. 
The exhibition project is complemented with some other interesting activities organized by the Council of the Alhambra and Generalife such as the publication of a book entitled Torres Balbás y la Restauración Científica. Ensayos (Torres Balbás and Scientific Restoration. Essays), edited jointly with the Andalusian Institute of Historic Heritage, to which numerous specialists have contributed. The Council will also be offering the public a programme of guided visits in association with the exhibition, which will undoubtedly enrich the educational experience it offers.