Before you stands the Enrique Herreros Plaque a tribute to a multifaceted Madrileño. This unassuming monument in a quiet park tells a remarkable story. Enrique Herreros a name synonymous with Spanish humor and illustration was much more than just a cartoonist.
He was born in Madrid in 1903 a time when the city was brimming with artistic energy. Herreros became a leading figure in the world of illustration. He created over eight hundred covers for the satirical magazine La Codorniz. His drawings and collages captured the spirit of post-war Spain with humor and irony. He was integral to the magazine’s artistic style. His work’s quality and audacity were particularly notable given the constraints of the Franco regime.
But Herreros’s talents extended far beyond the pages of La Codorniz. He was a filmmaker directing films such as Maria Fernanda the Jerezana and The Happy Wall. He was also a successful artist creating oil paintings and etchings. His series La Tauromaquia de la Muerte is Goyesca in style showcasing his skill as an engraver. He was a significant figure in what is known as the ‘other generation of 27’ a group including prominent figures like Miguel Mihura. He was also a representative and discoverer of artists. He even managed Sara Montiel’s career for nearly two decades. His achievements were numerous and varied.
The plaque itself wasn’t erected until 1993. A simple initial plaque on a pedestal was later enhanced in 2003. This was after a renovation of the surrounding gardens that included the construction of an underground car park. The addition was a larger pedestal featuring a bronze bust of Herreros. This bust was sculpted in 1957 by José Torres Guardia a sculptor known for his work in television and film.
Herreros’s life ended tragically in 1977 in a car accident in the Picos de Europa. His legacy however lives on not only in his art and films but also in this very plaque. A lasting tribute to a remarkable man who enriched Madrid’s cultural landscape. This modest memorial captures the essence of a life lived to the fullest a life dedicated to art humor and the vibrant spirit of Madrid. Take a moment to appreciate the man behind the plaque. His story continues to resonate in the city he loved.