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And then I became a watchman. The main change was the uniform, instead of a three quarter jacket it was a frock coat and we had to watch over the halls.
I have enjoyed Las Meninas a lot because the painting was in a small hall and groups were allowed in 15 at a time. When I was posted at that hall and large groups were waiting to enter, I'd say, "Let's see. 15 at a time." Some visitors came around and bribed me to let them in sooner. They'd slip you a tip to see if you would let them in. And of course, in times of need I'd let them in and they got to see the picture before other people who had been waiting before them.
In those days I worked here in the morning and went to my father's workshop in the afternoon.
Pilar was the director's secretary and as such she could tell us what we were supposed to do. I went to speak to her and said, "Look. I'm in this situation and you know that pay is quite low here at the Museum. I'd like to set up a business of my own." "Okay, and how much do you need?" "20,000 pesetas." I didn't think they would give me the loan but right then she said, "Go by the cash office to collect the sum. Every month we'll deduct a small amount from your wages." I think I paid it back in ten years.
He began to work at the Museum as an elevator operator, then as a guard and finally, from 1997, as a carpenter for the Museum, which was his true profession.
Interview recorded on December 19, 2017
