This November, Felipe Conde’s workshop was awarded the Handcrafts Prize by the Madrid Autonomous Region, in the category of “Traditional Handcrafting”. This is the first time we received an institutional recognition for our work as traditional artisans in Madrid. A company named “La Tora” was awarded the same prize in the category of “Contemporary Handcrafting”. The regional general director for commerce and consumption, María José Pérez-Cejuela lauded the track record of adaptation to new consumer’s demands and a competitive impulse of the two companies, at this second annual prize gala.
When deciding the winner of the prize in the “Traditional Handcrafting” category, the jury especially valued “Felipe Conde’s consolidated professional track record, preservation and diffusion of artisanal techniques as cultural heritage and notable efforts in sharing the knowledge that contributes to continuation of the tradition”. In this sense, the jury factored in the apprenticeship of María and Felipe Jr. at the workshop and also the important promotion of the Spanish Brand through the export of our guitars throughout the world. The prize in this category has been sponsored by the Félix Granda Foundation.
According to the jury, “La Tora”, the winner in the “Contemporary Handcrafts” category, stood out for “their collaborative efforts between handcrafting and design, the creativity of their works based on the reinterpretation of advances market tendencies, their incorporation of innovative materials, and innovative use of habitual materials.” The prize in this category was sponsored by IFEMA.
We would like to thank the Madrid Regional Government for this first ever institution recognition of our family tradition that counts over one hundred years of history. We would especially like to mention the Félix Granda Foundation as well, for sponsoring this prize and for always supporting the Arts. For us, this prize gives us an added impulse to continue our tradition towards to new generations.