The BBC’s antiques expert Catherine Southon delved into the iconic history of violin making at the School of Musical Instrument Crafts, where she tried her hand at the art.
Newark College were delighted to welcome Catherine Southon as she filmed for an episode of Antiques Road Trip, that will air on BBC One later this year.
Southon was given a tour of the campus before spending an afternoon at the College’s prestigious violin school on Kirk Gate, where she discovered more about the history of the violin and the instrument making culture at Newark’s School of Musical Instrument Crafts.
After watching the students at work, the show’s expert was eager to engage in part of the making process herself, and was taught how to heat and bend a reed to go on the side of a violin. Talking of the experience, Catherine said: “This is incredible, I never thought I would see craftsmanship like this. You take it for granted and to see this first-hand is phenomenal.
“I have never been anywhere like this before, it’s beautiful.”
During the afternoon, first year violin making student Angelo Muller, was honoured to be given the opportunity to play a violin he had made. He said: “I am proud of this instrument; the sound is perfection and for my first violin I am very surprised.”
The School of Musical Instrument Crafts at Newark College offers courses in guitar, woodwind, piano and violin making and repair.
