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Having trained as an Airframe/Engine Fitter in the mid 1970’s, I acquired the necessary skills which were unbeknown to me at the time preparing me for a future as a bowmaker. Working to fine tolerances on military aircraft I found that I adapted to bowmaking readily.
Learning to make Bows
During the early 1990’s, having already been bitten by the instrument making bug, with a few instruments and bows under my belt, I had a chance meeting with Derek Wilson , a fine bowmaker previously with W.E. Hill’s of London. Derek introduced me to the art of bowmaking as practised by the 19th Century bowmakers in France.
Influences
Having opened my eyes, I got on with the business of making copies of fine French bows by such makers as Dominique Peccatte, Francois Tourte etc. I have had the opportunity to study fine bows owned by distinguished musicians in England and France.
Working methods
I make all the components for my bows in the manner of the great French craftsmen in the 19th century. All silver parts are made from flat stock and silver soldered as per the originals. For my pearl slides and eyes I use the beautiful Ormer (Haliotis Tuberculata ) shell which is known to have been used in the early 19th century by F. Tourte and D. Peccatte, and other makers of the time. The ormer is found in the English Channel around Guernsey and the Coast of Brittany. Although these days is quite difficult to obtain due to sea pollution. There are no secrets to using this material, just hard work and patience. The results are stunning.
Baroque Bows
I also make Baroque bows. I became fascinated with the art of Fluting and Reeding, working with snakewood. I made several visits to the Ashmolean Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, and have studied and measured several bows from the collections. My research continues with a recent trip to Brussels to the Royal Conservatory of Music where I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Wieland Kuijken. I was able to study and photograph his Fluted Cello bow, the envy of many musicians being a very good working bow. I continue to search for and study fine bows, enjoying excursions to the continent for this purpose.
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