Sean Connery and Gina Lollobrigida on Mallorca? Sounds a lot like the 60s. Indeed, the filming of a British crime thriller brought these international movie stars to the island. And they were by no means the only celebrities on Mallorca. Some of them you’ll discover in the photo exhibition by Tolo Salleras at La Misericòrdia in Palma. The photographer who lived and worked on the island is what is known as a chronicler of contemporary history. 

Bartomeu Salleras Fuster was the first official government photographer since the autonomy of the Balearics. His work reflects the social, political and economic development of the islands. And the institutionalization of democracy. For this reason, the family of the deceased donated his legacy to the University of the Balearic Islands.

With the current exhibition at the cultural center La Misericòrdia the UIB honors the work of Tolo Salleras. The show displays a careful selection of black-and-white and color prints and a vitrine of cameras as well as equipment and marketing material. First and foremost, though, it allows most interesting insights in the second half of the 20th century on Mallorca. 

In addition to pictures of political events, government representatives or prominent visitors, it’s the life of the people on the islands that attracts visitors. The spectators at the Easter processions, watching with anticipation what the photographer left to the imagination of the viewer. Or the photos of bride and groom on their wedding day.

The initial development of Magaluf or Palmanova is documented, just as the vista from Castell del Bellver across the bay of Palma. As time goes by.

The exhibition Tolo Salleras – El llegat d’un reporter fotogràfic del segle XX at La Misericòrdia in Palma runs until January 11, 2025.

Plaça de l’Hospital, 4
07012 Palma