I undertake commissions making bowed musical instruments from the Viol
Family. A long history lies behind these instruments, one that watches
instruments physically changing, prompted by the requirements of musicians to play ever more demanding music. A family of instruments that lasted from the 13th to the late 18th century. Bowed voices accompanying every form of music through the ages. In the 19th century the popularity of the Violin family soared and the use of viols dwindled, some viols were converted into cellos or violins, most ended up discarded in attics.

I am inspired by the Violmakers in England between 1590 and 1750, a period where English viols were revered throughout Europe for the quality of their tone.

It was a golden period for English viols; the geometric shapes, intricate inlayed patterns, and detailed artistic carvings that adorned these instruments are wonderful, and attempting to recreate them is joyous for me.

Most fruitwoods, Yew, sycamore and boxwood are all authentic English choices of timber to construct viols with, and are sought out as locally as possible.

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