Details do matter

It was back in April 2015 that I first met Philip, having the amazing chance to work for him thanks to an EU "Erasmus" project and then becoming his part-time assistant. I was coming from the "new making" world, I barely knew anything about making copies and all the passionate research that lays behind it.

Some days ago, during an intensive studying time on the Old Masters' labels, he suddenly proposed me to try copying Antonio Stradivari's monogram. Despite not having much experience in wood engraving I accepted the challenge, giving myself one working afternoon to do the job. I gave my best carving it from a tiny piece of end-grained boxwood, and hearing his positive comments just made my day!

Here is the result...now it's time for some proper research on old inks, because details do actually make the difference. Once more thank you, Philip!

Gianmaria