Rafael Patxot i l'Acadèmia de Bones Lletres

Rafael Patxot i Jubert (1872-1964), businessman, translator and writer performed a
significant role as a cultural patron through the foundation, Fundació Concepció Rabell
i Cibils and the institute, Institució Patxot. His work was cut short by the start of the
Spanish civil war in July 1936 when he was forced into exile in Switzerland, where he
remained until his death. This article analyzes, from first-hand material, his important
contribution to the work of the Acadèmia de Bones Lletres de Barcelona, which consisted
in particular of economic assistance for the publication of the academy’s gazette and the
Patxot i Ferrer competition, in memory of his grandfather, also named Rafael, which
resulted in the publication of several volumes. The position taken by the president of
the Acadèmia against the Institut d’Estudis Catalans and in favour of Primo de Rivera’s
dictatorship, made it difficult for this collaboration to continue.