Jonathan Springall - Head of workshop

Jonathan trained at the Newark School of Violin Making, initially attending a course in Baroque Instrument Making. Surrounded by violin making students he soon developed a love for fine violins, and extended his studies to include the full course in Violin Making and Repair.

Before managing the workshop here at Strings, Jonathan had built an excellent reputation in his own right for the restoration of both violin and mandolin family instruments. He has run a highly regarded workshop in Canada, and lectured part-time at the Newark School of Violin Making.

While he continues to make violins in his own time, at Strings he indulges his passion for restoring stringed instruments to prime aesthetic and playing condition.

Andrew Quelch - Restorer

With a background in music and joinery, Andrew decided to combine both interests and become a professional luthier in 2001. He studied at the Newark School of Violin Making for three years, graduating in 2004.

Prior to joining Strings, Andrew worked for Cardiff Violins and Tim Toft Violins, during which time he also spent a month at Phelps of London working for Tim in the workshop covering for absent staff.

Brian Roche - Workshop associate

Before following his passion for violins and becoming a violin maker and repairer, Brian was involved in mechanical engineering and work with polymers.

His initial training in violin making began in Italy in Cremona, and continued with three years of study at the Newark School of Violin Making, resulting in a professional qualification in Violin Making and Repair.

Brian derives an enormous amount of pleasure from restoring instruments to a high quality performing level and has worked in this field for several years. His other great passion is playing music on the violin.