Rosario by Concha Velasco.

Rosary of Concha Velasco given to the artist by Pope Francis.
Twentieth century silver and hard stone rosary.
With silver and mother-of-pearl box belonging to Concha Velasco.
This work is auctioned with the purpose of raising funds to support the victims of the DANA in Valencia.
Donated by Concha Velasco's family.
Measurements: 45 cm.

Concepción Velasco Varona (1939-2023), known as Concha Velasco, was a prominent Spanish actress, singer, dancer and presenter. She was born in Valladolid and began her artistic career at a young age, studying dance and making her film debut at the age of 15 with La reina mora (1954). In the 50s and 60s, she established herself as a popular figure in Spanish cinema, participating in comedies such as Los tramposos (1959) and La verbena de la paloma (1963). Throughout her career, she also ventured into more dramatic roles in titles such as La colmena (1982) and Esquilache (1989), for which she was nominated for a Goya.

In theater, she was equally successful, standing out in plays such as Mamá, quiero ser artista (1986) and Hello, Dolly! (2001). In television, her career spanned from the 1960s with programs such as Estudio 1 to being the host of the mythical Cine de barrio for almost two decades. She also participated in popular series such as Herederos (2008) and Las chicas del cable (2017).

Throughout her life, she faced personal challenges and health problems, including a lymphoma diagnosed in 2014. Concha Velasco passed away on December 2, 2023 at the age of 84, leaving an indelible legacy in Spanish film, theater and television.