Iris Carr... has given me much knowledge of the practice and technology of restoration ~ Lingtzu Chen
It takes time and consideration to arrive at a plan of action. I learnt to really savour this time ~ Michael Sheridan
I had always thought the camber of the stick was some terrific mystery. Watching Jan.. I felt emboldened to try it for myself. ~ Steven Ebbinghaus
It is such an advantage to be able to do your work next to a professional maker, and to have ad hoc one-on-one tuition. ~ Caroline Schroyen
Thank you RAB Trust. I have got the sharpest tools ever now, because of you! ~ Lucas Coquelet

The Rowan Armour-Brown Memorial Trust Fund offers support to students of violinmaking in the UK:

Financial grants for the purchase of materials and tools, or for specialised additional training
Distribution of wood and tools that have been donated to the Trust
Work experience placements in established professional workshops

Since the inception of the Trust in 1999, we have helped over 200 students from all over the world. Many of these students are now significantly employed in the trade, either on their own account or with leading shops and makers, in the UK and worldwide. Several early award winners now offer work experience placements to current students in their turn.

We have one instrument currently for sale, all proceeds will support the RAB Trust:

A viola by Rowan Armour-Brown in 1994 before her death, varnished and set up subsequently by her colleague and friend Patrick Jowett. This is available to try at Stamford Strings.

We are celebrating having recently sold a cello based on a Stradivari model part-made by Arnold Boyes and donated to the RAB Trust. It was completed in 2021 by trustees Helen Michetschläger and Mark Robinson, and former award winners Sam Brouwer, Mathieu Fourrier and Alina Ehret. Funds from the sale of this cello will go towards supporting next year’s student applications.