Voces del Prado

The uniform

Antonio Macías Pizarro, Head of Night Surveillance, 1974-2009

The first uniform we had here consisted of a blue jacket, blue shoes and a blue anorak for when we were outside at the works, for going outside or up to the rooftop balconies. Later they gave us a blue suit with gold buttons and other markings. We looked like generals. I didn't like the fact that it was so fancy. Afterwards we got a uniform such as the one I am wearing right now. Everything was fine. The suits didn't get messed up at night. We wore it from the opening hours in the morning but at 11 p.m. we took it off. It didn't make sense to wear a suit in the guard corps. Naturally we wanted to be comfortable. In the morning, even if it was closed, we would put on our suits to do the rounds with the concierge. That's why the suits lasted so long and in tiptop condition. I have three that are brand new. I save them for when I come to visit the Museum. Sometimes they ask me, "You've still got them?" And I say, "Of course, top quality fabric!".