The RAB Trust has helped students from West Dean and Merton attend Lutherie Day in Newark this year by paying £50 to each student attending the event to help with their travel expenses. ‘Lutherie’ is the annual seminar for violin makers, with four speakers on diverse topics throughout the day.
The organisers offered all students free entry, including free lunch, so it was a great opportunity for students from all colleges to interact and chat to professionals in the trade.
Newark Town Hall’s beautiful Georgian ballroom was full of eager students and professionals looking and buying from the trade stands selling wood, tools and fittings before taking seats for the first speaker.
The RAB Trust had an affordable tool sale with many quality items, and an extra half price discount for students.
The photo shows trustees Judith Blackwell, Mark Robinson and Elaine Spicer who ran the tool sale, which serviced many grateful customers and raised more funds for awards.
Keisuke Yookoo, a West Dean student, emailed the RAB Trust with his thanks: “I greatly enjoyed the event with lots of luthiers. Also, I appreciate members and volunteers who support my travel to Newark. I had a precious moment with friendly Newark students who let me stay in their house. I am sure that this experience will help my instrument making.”
All four speakers gave excellent talks on diverse topics: Rob Cain on CT scanning instruments, Iris Carr on cello f-hole restoration and texturing retouch varnish, Anna Tummers on Baroque violin set-up and Robin Aitchison on his approach to cello making.
Thanks go to the RAB Trust’s own Tim Southon and Helen Michetschläger, together with former RAB Trust award winner Nicole Terry, who took on the organisation of this year’s ‘Lutherie’.
The photo shows multiple RAB Trust award winner Merrit Biesenberger’s viola da gamba on display. (Photo credit with thanks to Georg Morgenstern)