Augusto Pollastri, 1877-1927

Augusto Pollastri (1877-1927) was a great luthier of the 20th century. In his youth he worked in Raffaele Fiorini’s workshop, and at the age of 17 he became his pupil. When Fiorini’s health began to decline, Pollastri became the main luthier at his workshop. When Fiorini retired, Pollastri opened his own luthier shop and lived together with his younger brother Gaetano Pollastre (1886-1960).

From 1898 to 1899 he made three Turin style violins, and after that he continued making 15 more instruments, including two cellos. Although these two cellos each display their own unique features, they are both relatively big and the arches are more prominent.

In 1906, Pollastri created his own model, and in 1927 won first prize in a competition in Genoa. His techniques and style were greatly influenced by the Bologna school of violin making. Besides possessing perfect technique, the varnishes he used are also perfectly gorgeous. Pollastri used a yellow bottom layer with reddish brown on top, similar to Raffaele Fiorini. He made a total of 64 instruments in his lifetime, and had three different styles of labels for his violins. The most famous logo that the Pollastri brothers created has two roosters on it. Augusto’s workshop was extremely active and well-known. Besides making instruments, he was also adept at repairing ancient instruments.

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