The master behind La Pedrera, Pere Milà

Pere Milà i Camps, fondly known as Perico to his friends and family, was born in Barcelona in 1873. When he married Rosario Segimon, he joined the ranks of the city’s elite families, although his pedigree outshone his financial standing.

Pere Milà pursued a political career and was elected as a deputy for the Conservative Party. He also worked as a press entrepreneur, running La Tribuna de Madrid, and served as the promoter of Barcelona’s La Monumental bullring, which was owned by his wife, Rosario Segimon, who was also the owner of La Pedrera.

Milà was reputed to be as charismatic as he was shrewd. He was also renowned for his elegant style, always impeccably dressed. A lover of modernity, he was among the first in Barcelona to own a car.

In 1940, at the age of 67, Perico Milà passed away in his flat at La Pedrera. A regular figure in the press of his time, he also became the subject of several remarkable caricatures. One notable example is an illustration featured in an article published by the humour and politics weekly El Gall, offering a witty and ironic portrayal of Perico Milà.