Szymon Gąsienica, Cracow, Poland. Bowed and plucked early instruments maker. Restorer and expert on historical instruments.
I finished the A. Kenar Art School in Poland, Zakopane in 1987. I have done a renaissance seven-course lute on my thesis, I received very good marks. I served a two years apprenticeship in the private workshop, after finishing the school. Having passed exams in 1988 and 1990 I became a member of the Polish Violin Makers Association in Warsaw. Having received a scholarship from the British Council, Polish Ministry of Art And Culture and The Edward James Foundation.
I studied at the West Dean College, where in 1993 I finished the early instrument making course with diploma graduation.
I made about 60 instruments (violins, violas - modern and baroque), even renaissance and baroque lutes, during my studies and after finishing the schools. I also made corrections and reparations of various instruments.
I have got a two year teaching experience of instrument making in the Fine Art School in Zakopane.
At present I am working at the National Museum in Cracow as an conservator of early instruments. I am also a member of ICOM.
dedicated to the art of building string instruments.
violin, viola, cello, luither, violinmaking, corner blocks,
ribs, tone, strings, wood, maple, spruce, pegs