Salvador Dalí's fascination with Sigmund Freud began in the early 1920s and continued to shape Dalí's imagination long after his Surrealist years. The Freudian Universe of Dalí, a new exhibition at Madrid's Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and its accompanying catalogue trace that enduring influence through the artist's life, work, and evolving intellectual obsessions.

Behind the publication are Catalina Garrigues and Ángela Villaverde, the museum's editorial team that coordinates the Thyssen's catalogues, gallery texts, and other publications. Bringing this one to life meant immersing themselves in Dalí's world while tackling everything from elusive artwork, photography, and multilingual quotations, to the precise reproduction of colour proofs. In the interview that follows, Garrigues and Villaverde take us behind the pages, reflecting on the intricacies of art publishing, the value of collaboration, and the rare privilege of working amid extraordinary art every day.

What does it mean to you to edit and coordinate the museum's publications?

Catalina: For us, every new editorial project is both a challenge and an exciting opportunity. Each exhibition catalogue teaches us something new, as it requires us to read the texts thoroughly and immerse ourselves in their subject matter in order to edit and refine the content as accurately as possible. Our work also involves coordinating the many professionals involved throughout the publishing process, including curators, authors, translators, designers, and specialists in pre-press and printing. We also collaborate regularly with colleagues from other museums and national and international institutions on joint publications. These relationships enrich our daily work and make it wonderfully varied and dynamic—which is precisely why we enjoy it so much.

Ángela: In addition to exhibition catalogues, the museum publishes collection catalogues, multilingual guides, educational publications, and comics that form part of its editorial programme. We consider these essential tools for sharing the museum's collections and knowledge with a wide audience, and we are immensely proud of them.

What challenges did you face while producing the catalogue for The Freudian Universe of Dalí, and how did you overcome them?

Ángela: One of the greatest challenges we encounter in many of our publications—and certainly in this one—is sourcing the photographs that authors wish to include alongside their essays. It is not always easy to locate the original artworks, particularly when their current whereabouts are unknown, making the search for and licensing of images especially complex.

Another distinctive aspect of art publishing is the correction of colour proofs before printing. Achieving a reproduction that is both faithful to the original artwork and visually compelling on the printed page requires exceptional precision, particularly when the works themselves are not available for direct comparison.

Finally, particular attention was given to adapting the quotations included throughout the essays, many of which originate in different languages. Our aim was to use the most recent and authoritative Spanish editions and translations of Dalí's writings, ensuring both scholarly rigour and consistency throughout the publication.

What is Priceless to you about this publication?

Catalina: The invaluable collaboration and dedication of the exhibition's curator, Jaime Brihuega, was truly priceless. We believe that although Salvador Dalí's work can sometimes seem challenging for general audiences, Professor Brihuega's highly accessible and engaging texts make the exhibition's central ideas much easier to understand.

Which aspect of your own work has been Priceless?

Catalina: Working at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza is an experience of immeasurable value. Having the opportunity to carry out our work in direct contact with extraordinary works of art and with a collection of such international importance makes every day genuinely special. Walking through the galleries, accessing the museum's storage facilities, and visiting the conservation studio as part of our professional routine are exceptional privileges that very few people have the chance to experience.

Ángela: Equally valuable is being part of a team of outstanding professionals from whom we learn every day, sharing knowledge and experience in a uniquely collaborative environment. Contributing to the interpretation and dissemination of such an extraordinary collection makes our work at the museum not only a responsibility, but a constant source of learning and enrichment.