The Workshop of Otello Bignami
Otello Bignami was a string instrument-maker in Bologna from 1914 to 1989.
His workshop was donated to the Comune di Bologna by his heirs and was faithfully
reconstructed in a room situated on the ground floor of Palazzo Aldini Sanguinetti
.
Otello Bignami learned his skill from Gaetano Pollastri, and over the course
of 40 years of incessant artistic activity, he obtained international recognition
in the instrument-making field and became a prestigious member of the Bolognese
string instrument-making school in the 1900's.
His great experience passed on to the students of the professional school,
which started at the end of the 1970's, has been a determining factor in assuring
the continuity of the Bolognese tradition in the art of making string instruments.
In the workshop, which still functions perfectly and is outfitted with all
the equipment, moulds, varnishes, and work tools used by the master, it's
possible to carry out guided tours by appointment where an expert will illustrate
the principle work phases and methods used in the creation of the instruments.
