Otello Bignami (Bologna 1914-1989) is considered as one of the most important luthiers of the 20^th-century Bolognese School. He was at first a violinist and then a luthier, apprentice at Gaetano Pollastri’s, who allowed him at once to sign as his apprentice.

He soon met with great success and with the passing of time his situation became consolidate, allowing him to be included with full rights in the number of the Master Luthiers of the ancient Bolognese School.

Among the prizes he was awarded let us mention the prestigious international recognition of the gold medal at the Wienawski Prize at Pozan (Poland) in 1957 and the same prize received at the al the Competition of Bagnacavallo in 1976.

However, it is significant as regards his work and personality to remind that in 1956 the Santa Cecilia Academy conferred the first prize to one of his instruments countermarked – according to the regulations – only by a motto where he inscribed his art and humanity: "Amor per crear quel che amor crea" [“Love to create what love creates”].