When reflecting on the shape a trophy should take, we realised that it must be designed to be held in the hands and raised in celebration of victory. That is why large cups traditionally have handles. Thinking of someone with their arms lifted, the image of a torch emerged naturally—and it immediately resonated with us. Not only does it have the right form, but it also symbolises light, the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and culture. We chose to craft it in wood, a living and noble material—much like culture itself.
Wood is also deeply rooted in Valencia. The city has a long tradition of furniture makers, cabinetmakers, and turners, as well as a strong history in the trade and distribution of wood from around the world. This heritage also extends to the making of musical instruments such as the dolçaina, so closely associated with Valencian music. Why not, then, turn different types of wood on the same torch? It becomes a way of alluding to culture as something built layer by layer, year after year, generation after generation. And why not make each one slightly different from the others, so that—while remaining the same trophy, the same prize—each piece is unique, just as every award recipient is unique?
