By Catherine McGeer •
Published: 29 Nov 2024 • 16:51
• 1 minute read
The Spanish government has intervened to halt the auction of a rare 1865 guitar crafted by Almería-born luthier Antonio de Torres, widely regarded as the father of the modern guitar.
A historic guitar saved from auction
The 1865 FE21Y guitar, rediscovered in 2012 and authenticated by renowned luthier José Luis Romanillos, was set to be sold by the French auction house Vichy Enchères. However, following concerns raised by the Instrumenta Association, an advocate for Spanish musical heritage, the Ministry of Culture acted to prevent its export and sale abroad.
Almería protects its musical heritage
The guitar was discovered in 2012, abandoned atop a cupboard, and later authenticated as a genuine Torres piece by Romanillos. It carries Torres distinctive craftsmanship and his Sevilla label from Calle de la Cerrajería. With its historical and cultural significance, the guitar was displayed in the Guitar Museum of Almería before its proposed sale in France, where it had been part of an exhibition to honor Torres’ legacy.
A Call for Preservation
The Instrumenta Association, along with local cultural figures such as the Antonio de Torres Guitar Society, has long advocated for the guitar’s preservation in Spain. The organisation expressed its concerns about the potential loss of this iconic piece to private collectors abroad. The intervention by the Spanish government, supported by the association, ensures the guitar will not leave the country.
Spanish guitar history secured for future generations
The FE21Y guitar’s return presents a unique opportunity for the Guitar Museum of Almería to enhance its collection. The city has already made a significant move in acquiring another Torres guitar earlier this year. Local advocates are now calling on the Almería City Council to negotiate its purchase, ensuring that the guitar remains a part of the region’s rich cultural and musical history.
The acquisition of the FE21Y would mark a significant addition to the museum, cementing Almería’s place as a hub for the preservation of Torres’ extraordinary legacy.
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Written by
Catherine McGeer
I am an Irish writer who has been living in Spain for the past twenty years. My writing centers around the Costa Cálida. As a mother I also write about family life on the coast of Spain and every now and then I try to break down the world of Spanish politics!
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