The workshop since 1948
The Alberdi workshop was founded in Irun in 1948 by Jose Alberdi Arruti (Oikina-Zumaia, 1916-Irun 2009).
He learned to carve wood in Azpeitia, in the Azkue furniture factory, where he worked until the Spanish Civil War broke out.
After the end of the war, he moved to Irun with his family.
There he built his house, and on the first floor he created his workshop, where he carved wood furniture.
Over time he specialized in busts, heraldry, plates… with typical Basque images.
His sons José Manuel Alberdi and Iñaki Alberdi worked with him and continued the tradition.
3 generations of craftsmen
In 1980 Iñaki Alberdi began to dedicate himself to the art of makila making.
A few years earlier, the Alberdi brothers realized that, just as in Iparralde there were people who continued with the tradition of creating makilas, on this side of the Bidasoa this had been completely lost, due to the Civil War and subsequent Dictatorship.
After years of effort and work, Iñaki managed to rescue the makila, one of the oldest symbols of Basque culture, from oblivion.
In 1991 the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Guipuzcoa awarded Iñaki a diploma in recognition of his work as a craftsman and his efforts to enrich and perpetuate the Basque cultural heritage.
Today, their children Beñat and Saioa carry on the tradition, representing the third generation of Alberdi artisans.
