Readers may well have heard of Rossini’s wonderful, classic opera, The Barber of Seville, about the comedic escapades of a singing barber. Figaro, the barber, helps the Count to prise the beautiful Rosina away from her lecherous guardian.

Potts Point also has its own musical barber, Guillermo Tell, originally from Santiago, Chile. He serenades customers with his classical flamenco guitar. He came to Sydney in 1981 as part of an adventure and stayed. He had already completed his hairdressing training but obtained more certificates before coming to Sydney.

The key to business success he says is having a sense professionalism. This means having high-level skills and an excellent personal relationship with clients

Her carefully coiffures both men’s and ladies’ hair. He also specialises in men’s beards.

“They require additional care, styling and proper maintenance” he says, adding “a soft brush and conditioner prevents them looking too frizzy or getting out of hand.”

Here in Potts Point he worked for Joe Bardetto, “stylist to the stars”, at his famous salon before opening his own boutique.

The salon’s original name, “Fontana” means fountain in Italian. It’s a local reference to the Kings Cross memorial fountain in the nearby Fitzroy Gardens.

Fontana is one of the oldest salons in the area, having opened about 37 years ago in about 1969. Joe Bardetto’s salon opened in 1967.

Entering his salon is like stepping into a different epoch. Beautiful Italian marble and chic retro 1950-designed electric, aluminum chairs with built-in power points, made in Japan, create an immediate impression of elegance.

“These are the best chairs I’ve ever seen”, he says.

But the 40-year old mechanical, plastic cash register with its rotating till roll and over-sized buttons doesn’t seem to recognise decimal currency [!]. However, it works perfectly, presiding over the front desk.

Guillermo had played guitar for about 30 years, specialising in the sensuous, dynamic Flamenco style. His favourite soloists include the brilliant Sabicas (1912-1990) and child prodigy, Niño Ricardo (1904-1972). Playing to customers is great fun for himself and the customers.

“I enjoy the vibe of this area: it’s diverse, lively, very friendly, interesting and colourful,” Guillermo says enthusiastically.
Guillermo Tell, Hairdresser & Flamenco guitarist

Fortuna Hairdressing Salon

Ladies’ and Gent’s hairdressing

199 Victoria Street Potts Point

Hours Mon-Sat: 9am to 5:30pm, Sunday: closed

Phone 9358 5059

Email: fonatanabarbers@gmail.com

Instagram: fontanabarbershop

Website: www.fontana199.com.au

By Andrew Woodhouse, Heritage Solutions