Augusto Pollastri

Augusto Pollastri (11 March 1877, in Bologna – 9 November 1927, in Bologna) was an Italian violin maker, older brother to Gaetano Pollastri. He began his career as an apprentice in Raffaele Fiorini's studio. Augusto's father was a miller and an amateur musician, which exposed him to music at an early age. He also enjoyed visiting the shop of a famous violin maker Raffaele Fiorini, where he started to perform small services in the shop, eventually leading to an apprenticeship with maestro Fiorini.

By age 20, Augusto had devoted himself entirely to the activity which had inspired him, demonstrating notable skill in violin making. Towards the end of Raffaele Fiorini's life, Augusto took over the workshop. He became known locally as a maker and restorer.

By 1927 (the year of his death), Augusto had received official recognition in his art: including the Cross of Merit and Gold Medals at the Geneva Exhibition and the United Exhibitions of the "Littriale' in Bologna."

For thirty years, he managed a violin-making workshop in Bologna. After the passing of Raffaele Fiorini, his brother Gaetano Pollastri joined him.

Pollastri’s instruments were noted for their craftsmanship, but the quantity was unfortunately not very high.

Today, Pollastri's instruments are considered legendary and among the most copied in the world aside from the Classics (Stradivari, Guarnerius etc.). "The number of fake instruments and imitations one could come across is much greater than the number of originals. "

Among his students were his brother Gaetano Pollastri and Marco Dobresovitch, and he collaborated with Carlo Carletti.