wood alchemists: the construction of a violin

Photographic profile story of Fernando Solar, a third-generation luthier, and documentation

of his violin-making process.

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Raised among varnishes and shavings, to the rhythm of brushes and saws, Fernando dedicated the

first part of his life to studying the violin. However, at the age of 18 and inspired by a Maksim Vengérov concert, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors on the path of instrument-making.

 

Today, he continues the family tradition, creating and repairing violins, violas, and cellos in the Solar workshop, operating in Malasaña since 1950.

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Madrid, Spain // September 2020