Philip Brown & Geoff Denyer:
Intro to Instrument Recognition
Introduction to instrument recognition with Philip Brown and Geoff Denyer
Instrument recognition, presentation: In running provincial shops many instruments walk in, the majority of which are of a lower class, made in Germany or France; mass produced or individual lesser known makers. Identifying these is essential knowledge. Some dealers ignore these instruments, sometimes at their peril. Then there is the perennial problem of the large volume of instruments that are routinely "upgraded" by the switching of labels and you begin to understand what a hornets’ nest this is... Geoff and Philip invite you in to this interesting world...
Instrument recognition, practical session: Students will be split into small groups and will be given a number of instruments to study and attempt to identify. Philip and Geoff will be on hand to offer guidance.
Philip Brown
Philip Brown studied under Roger Rose, Norman Myall and Stephen Barber in the London College of Furniture Early Fretted department for 4 years obtaining a distinction awarded by Dietrich Kessler. He then made lutes to order in a workshop in Wapping. On returning to his home town Newbury in 1984 principally to make lutes he found himself drawn inextricably into violin repairs, dealing and making. He studied violin and bow making for brief spells in the Paris workshop of Claire and Craig Ryder. His violin business grew and grew and currently operates with a good number of craftspeople. Philip concentrates on bows - making and restoring - particularly historical bows. Philip is especially proud of his (Newark) alumni that have passed through the workshop: Warren Bailey, Markus Laine and Mathew Wing to name a few.
Geoff Denyer
Geoff first became interested in violins as a schoolboy when he was learning to play the violin. In 1981 at the age of 18 he commenced his studies at NSVM and soon became interested in antique instruments. After leaving college he worked in several workshops throughout Europe as a restorer. During this time, he was able to examine excellent examples of instruments from all corners of the world. He gained much experience during this period and in 1997 decided to open his own violin shop in Winchester, Hampshire.
After 25 years running his shop in Winchester he relocated to Solihull, West Midlands, where he continues to run his company dealing in instruments and bows. He remains passionate about learning and identifying historical makers’ work and has recently joined forces with John Basford and Tim Toft to set up a new company certifying instruments and bows of the violin family.