A SHORT HISTORY

In 1979 I moved from London up to West Yorkshire and started making guitars in my spare time. The desire to make musical instrument making my full time occupation was realised when I was offered a place at the West Dean College workshop.

Under the expert direction of Roger Rose I learned the traditional methods of stringed instrument making to the highest standards. The workshop specializes in the making of early musical instruments, baroque lutes, guitars, viols, violins, cellos and basses. The West Dean workshop has a very well deserved reputation for producing superb instruments and apprentices are expected to work to professional standards.

I am extremely grateful to Roger without whose tuition and guidance I would never have made it as a professional instrument maker. He not only taught me the essentials of how to sharpen tools and use glues and varnishes, he also made me strive for perfection in my instrument making ( I am still striving !)

I was making bowed instruments at West Dean, viols and one unusual commission for a Tromba Marina (see Gallery)

In 1986 I returned to Addingham to set up my own workshop as a full time luthier making classical guitars. It’s not easy starting out as an instrument maker. Finding a workshop, well seasoned good timbers and most important of all customers! Getting a good reputation for fine instruments doesn’t come overnight and it’s the good reputation that brings in customers. I concentrated on making classical guitars and made contacts with the specialist guitar centers and guitar teachers to sell my instruments. Chris Gilbert at The Spanish Guitar Centre Bristol and The Spanish Guitar Centre in London were very supportive, liked my guitars and sold many over the years. As well as making instruments I was also carrying out a lot of repair work.

In 1987 I submitted three instruments for assessment by a distinguished panel of Luthiers, including Jose Romanillos, David Rubio and Stephen Gottlieb, for the biannual Crafts Council Awards for instrument makers. My application was successful and I received a grant to assist in the development of my work and inclusion on the Crafts Council Register of Makers.

Since 1986 I have made over 200 instruments supplying customers all over the world.

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