Meet the Maker: Olivier Fanton d’Andon

by Woodley White

Originally published in American Lutherie #118, 2014



It is a beautiful thing for a person of integrity to pursue excellence in his craft. Set that pursuit in a medieval village in the French countryside an hour or so south of Paris, on a hill with cobblestone streets, across the street from a medieval church, and you discover the idyllic setting for inspired work.

The workshop of Olivier Fanton d’Andon is situated on the second floor of an old convent. The building itself is U-shaped with a stone wall enclosing the courtyard. Entering his workspace, I noticed the tall ceilings and an open feel. The walls facing the courtyard are made of huge windows that provide lots of natural lighting.