Paris Andrew

PA Lutherie

Luthier

©Marcela Schneider Ferriera

©Paris Andrew

Instruments inspired by the landscape

Paris specialises in making baroque stringed instruments
Her work is influenced by the old masters
She loves collaborating with other makers and artists on her new builds

Yorkshire-born Paris Andrew initially apprenticed under the guidance of the renown harpsichord maker and restorer Fergus Hoey. She then attended the violin making school at Merton, in London, under Master maker Keith Graves. “As I embarked on my professional life, my desire to grow and learn as an artisan led me to study under Maestro Francesco Algieri to master the art of the Tuscan style, and also Maestro Fabio Chiari, who trained me in the construction of baroque instruments.” Four years ago, Paris moved to Florence, Italy, where she found the time, space and stimulus to finally create her own workshop. Inspired by the architecture and colours of the city of Florence, and the rich countryside that surrounds her atelier, Paris specialises in the construction of baroque instruments with the traditional Cremonese violin making method.

Interview

©Marcela Schneider Ferriera

©Marcela Schneider Ferriera

When did you first think of picking up this craft?: I was an avid violinist from my early years. At the age of 16, I went to a luthier’s workshop for repairs and fell in love with the craft and the world of lutherie. I realised that I was more drawn to the construction of the instrument than actually playing the violin myself.
What do you like about being a craftsperson?: I have always been a hands-on woman and have enjoyed the arts, music and practical work since childhood. To move into a craft that requires such manual dexterity and physical hard work mixed with artistic flair and design seemed very natural to me.
In what way does working in Italy affect your approach?: There is no country richer in the cultural history of lutherie than its birth place, Italy, where I am proud to live and work. I enjoy sourcing local woods to tie my instruments back into the land and I take a great deal of inspiration from the historical architecture of the country and its diverse regions.
How would you define what you do?: An act of love and patience – and a little pain. I push my body and my hands and my concentration to create something that takes on its own life and becomes a practical item, when played by a musician. It can only start its real life when it leaves me.

Paris Andrew is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2020