Ramon Guardans was born in Reus (1919), the birthplace of many renowned figures, among them Delgado, Gaudí and Fortuny. He read Law at the University of Barcelona, received his degree in 1942, and from there, embarked on a brilliant career that lasted over 50 years.
Guardans held posts at Banesto and at Tabacos de Filipinas, served as President of the Junta del Puerto de Barcelona, and as Secretary of the Don Joan de Borbó Privy Council. Later he met Helena Cambó, daughter of Francesc Cambó. They married in 1951 and had fourteen children.
Guardans widely served the community, skilfully fulfilling the duties of President of the Barcelona Museums Council, the Catalan National Museum of Art Board of Trustees (where he was responsible for the return of the Llegat Cambó), the Sant Lluc Artistic Circle, and Vice President of the Orfeó Catalá. Until the end of his life, he served as Secretary General at the Institut Cambó, the Bernat Metge Foundation and the Fundació Bíblica Catalana.
In 1995, Guardans was a principal manager at the Catalan Family Foundation, sponsored by the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, and was head of the Board of Directors up until 1998. The University is proud to bestow him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in recognition of his personal merit and his strong and unwavering involvement in this UIC initiative.
Ramon Guardans i Vallès died on April 16, 2007, at the age of 87.