Thread: Violin and Bow Makers of Australia

No problems at all with this post Tim,
Your are welcome to spread the word on this book.
Regards Bob

Originally Posted by Purfler

I'm conscious of not advertising in the forum, but are people aware that there is a recent book on violin and bow making in Australia. I'll declare an interest in that I assisted with the research (and am in it), but it a terrific piece of work by Alan Coggins, a violin maker in Blackheath NSW. It is self published by Alan as a real service to the history of instrument making in Australia and it would be really good if he just covered his costs, let alone made any money. There is a biography of each maker - from very brief (for amateurs like me) to very detailed of the major makers, like Smith. Also has very good photos.

Moderators - if this is not appropriate for this forum please remove the posting.

Regards,

Tim

Originally Posted by woodturner777

No problems at all with this post Tim,
Your are welcome to spread the word on this book.
Regards Bob

Thanks Bob. In that case shameless plug follows.

This is the link to Alan's web site:

Violin and Bow Makers of Australia

There are sample pages

I have read pretty much everything in English on violin making, and makers, and this is one of the best researched books of its kind. OK, I have an interest, I helped a bit, but I'm an archivist with more than 30 years experience so I know a bit about research. The book is also a screaming bargain for a violin book, or for any book of this quality. I might say that recently Alan was described as one of the 3 people in the world who can photograph violins properly, aand there are large colour photos of the more important makers' work.

As well as the biographical dictionary there is a really good introductory essay on the history of violin making and music in Australia by Michael Lea of the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

I cannot recommend it too highly for anyone interested in instrument making is Australia. Christmas is coming folks!

Regards,

Tim

PS - Needless to say Alan has no idea that I have posted this and will probably be embarassed if he ever figures it out.