Lute-making
Summer Workshops
The 9th International course in lute making will take place in David Van Edwards’ workshop in Norwich, England.
9th - 17th August 2008
One person has had to cancel, if you would like to come on the course, please me.
The Workshop
The view of Norwich from the back garden!
The central idea of these workshop courses is to work together as a group to produce a lute for the English Lute Society to use as a hire instrument. Each year a different original instrument is chosen to make. No previous experience is necessary and each course member will be able to try out, and contribute to, each of the processes involved in making the lute.
Previous workshops, where we have made eight different lutes for the Lute Society, were great fun, with a nice lute resulting from each week’s work. So I know it can be done! If you’d like to get a flavour of what previous years’ courses were like, click on these links:
1999, where we made a 6 course renaissance lute
2000, where we made a 13 course German baroque lute.
2001, where we made a 14 course theorbo
2002, where we made a 6 course bass lute
2003, where we made an 11 course baroque lute
2005, where we made a 7 course tenor lute.
2006, where we made a 14 course liuto attiorbato
2007, where we made a 6 course mandora
In 2008 we intend to make a medieval lute and gittern pair. The gittern will be based on the single surviving instrument of about 1450 by Hans Ott of Nürnberg, this is carved out of a single piece of sycamore and has a decorative finial on the pegbox. The original has a carved acorn but more common in the iconography are carved heads of beasts and dragons; we will be basing ours on a dragon carved in one of the medieval buildings of Norwich. The lute will be built up in the normal lute-making way out of individual ribs but will have a flowing curve between neck and body as shown on most illustrations of lutes in the middle ages.
The workshops are obviously quite intensive; though there is time to explore the historic city and for group music-making in the evenings. All tools and materials are provided. Morning and afternoon coffee, a light lunch and a very good evening meal with wine are included in the cost. As with last year I will also provide a printed woodworking apron as a useful memento of the course. Accomodation is in nearby bed and breakfast establishments, a list of which will be sent to those who express an interest. You should therefore make your own arrangements to stay with one of these.
The cost for this year will be £290 per person, excluding accomodation.
If you are interested in taking part next year or would like further details, please do email me,
Copyright 2007 by David Van Edwards
This is a typical pairing of the two instruments in an altarpiece c. 1390 by Pera Serra from the Cathedral of Santa Clara, Tortosa. (now in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona)
During the week we hope to arrange a suitable concert of music for lute and gittern in one of the medieval buildings in Norwich.