Ian Highfield

The late Ian Highfield will be remembered as one of the most talented violin makers of his time.  Ian was a master copyist. He created beautiful replicas of famous old instruments, mostly by Italian and English makers.  The quality of Ian’s work is a product of his dedication to developing his skill as a luthier, and the extraordinary amount of time he spent researching old instruments and their makers.

Ian studied fine art (sculpture and painting), and teaching art and music.  After graduating, he developed an interest in violin making, which quickly led him to immerse himself in studying the history of the violin, its making and the development of varnish for instruments.  Through study and experimentation, Ian developed methods to create varnish for instruments to match the pigment and style of instruments from the 18th and 19th century.

See a viola by Ian Highfield here.