Christopher and Elspeth Rowe

	Christopher Rowe		Elspeth Rowe

Christopher Rowe

Christopher Rowe attended Newark School of Violin Making from 1984 to 1987, during which time he won a joint runner up violin prize at ‘Facta Britannia’ 1986. On leaving Newark he worked as a repairer/restorer for a short while at Edward Withers until the retirement of Dietrich Kessler.

From that point until the present day he has only made his own instruments. Over the years Christopher has tried out many patterns, but has now settled on three violin patterns: 1735 Guarneri del Gesu (Plowden), a 1716 and a 1724 Stradivari. The viola pattern is based on Amati.

Each instrument is handmade from start to finish, without interruption and although the overall character is recognisable, each instrument is an individual.

Violins: £3,500 (limited edition), £5,000 and £6,000 – violas £5,750.

Elspeth Rowe

Elspeth Rowe studied at the Newark School of Violin Making and after leaving in 1989 has made handmade violins and viola under her own label.

She works with patterns by Guarneri and Stradivari and for many sizes of viola, an Amati pattern. Elspeth is influenced by working alongside Christopher and aims to make individual instruments that leave the workshop as contemporary pieces, strongly guided by classical tradition.

Elspeth won a silver medal for viola at the Triennale in Cremona winning in addition the prestigious City of Cremona medal for the best traditional construction.

Violins £4,500 – violas £5,000.

Shop opening times:

Monday to Friday 9.00 – 12.30 and 1.30 – 5.00 pm
Saturday 9.00 – 12.30 and 2.00 – 5.00 pm