SOLD OUT

This course is aimed at those who already have good violin making skills and would like to be able learn or improve upon their varnishing skills. A very successful method of varnishing and also antiquing will be taught by Antoine Nédléc, Executive Director of the Chicago School of Violin Making, and Jeff Phillips, Associate Director of the same school. Uncounted competition winners, including of course both of them, have used the varnish method they teach and they have taught it at Oberlin for years too.

The latest BVMA violin, made at Westhope ’23, will be fully varnished there as well as the two cellos that were also finished at that same course. The teachers are going to bring along a further instrument to demonstrate their method of antiquing.

The varnish method is based on the use of larch turpentine and linseed oil, cooked for varying lengths of time, but up to 200 hours, which will be prepared in advance for the demonstration instruments. Further explanations for those participants who want to arrive with their varnish batches prepared will be provided. A UV-cabinet will be available by the time of the course.

There will be spaces for 8 students and the cost of the course will be £1 300 for single non-

ensuite and £1 350 for single ensuite. The price includes all food, accommodation and

teaching.