So who is Matthew Fenge? Let’s find out…

1976: Born.

2000 to 2002: Studied Musical Instrument Technology at Leeds College of Music, learning both violin making and restoration, and also classical guitar making.

2003 - 2004: Worked as an apprentice restorer at Turner Violins, Leeds.

2004 - 2012: Ran a violin department at Hobgoblin Music in Leeds, sourcing and maintaining instruments for the shop whilst also offering a re-hair and restoration service for local musicians.

2012 - 2018: Moved to Ankara, Turkey. Founded Caedmon Violins, an online violin shop, whilst also serving local musicians in the role of bow re-hairer and restorer, and offering expertise and advice about the violin trade.

2018: Began working for Amati Auctions in the role of Online Specialist and Online Valuations Manager. Duties have included oversees valuation tours to source instruments.

2018 - present: I continue to work independently as a restorer and maker, working mainly in Turkey for international clients, whilst maintaining my role of online appraiser for Amati Auctions. I am currently building a second workshop in the South of England.