Many people visit Barcelona for a well earned weekend break, enjoying the vibrant pull of the city. Travellers will write home about the iconic gothic architecture, blending into the funky modernism of Gaudi or the ample cervesaria’s serving ice cold Estrella to wash down world class cuisine. However, there is one stalwart icon of Barcelona that will often go by unnoticed for tourists despite the fact that these outposts adorn the streets, albeit at a depleting rate, from the centre of El Born to the grand avenues of L’Eixample.

I’m referring to the standalone Newspaper kiosks which serve as a hub for convenience. They aren’t unique to Barcelona, with almost all large cities featuring their own version. I moved to Barcelona in 2023 and was the same as anybody arriving in a new city or culture - focussed on everything but the mundane. But after about 2 months I started to notice these stands everywhere I looked, most notably the ones branded with ‘La Vanguardia’, Catalonia’s leading newspaper. On my morning commute i’d observe exchanges between the those working behind the counter, delivery men and customers. I started taking my camera on my walk and would shoot these scenes as I passed by the two kiosks between my flat and university.

On a basic level, these kiosks offer convenience but take a deeper look and you’ll see that they support a community of those living in the neighbourhoods that they serve. For many who still prefer to digest their news in physical form, particularly the elderly, a visit to the kiosk is part of their daily routine. It provides them with the opportunity to talk with the owner or debate politics, sport and other news with friends. Unfortunately with the introduction of digital media forms, many of these kiosks are disappearing. In the last decade, 35% have closed their shutters for good. While around 320 still remain, kiosk owners are concerned about their future and for the impact on local communities.