Ordinarily one would find little in common between an Anglo-Saxon ship and a Stradivarius violin. (Okay clever clogs- yes they are both made of wood! ) But here is a clue: it is actually inaccurate to refer to an Anglo-Saxon ship when there is only one– the Sutton Hoo burial ship.
Now we come to Antonio Stradivarius; he built superlative and iconic violins of the Golden Age. He supplied the royal courts of Europe with instruments regarded by the experts as without pier.
So here is the real common ground they share today: most violin makers throughout the world copy meticulously the Strad pattern, striving to equal the master’s artistry and sound.
We at the Longshed will be striving to copy equally meticulously the artistry and pattern of the Sutton Hoo ship.
Both luthier and shipwright pursue their skills whilst looking over their shoulders at unique examples of their craft- one 300 years old the other 1400 years old- neither presuming to innovate or modify.
Satisfying work if you can get it!
Pete Clay (luthier)