arts centre

John Carter is the Centre's resident musical instrument marker and repairer - or Luthier and bower to be accurate

A Luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. The word Luthier comes from the French word luth, which means "lute".

The craft of making string instruments, or Lutherie, is commonly divided into two main categories: makers of stringed instruments that are plucked or strummed and makers of stringed instruments that are bowed.

Since bowed instruments require a bow, the second category includes a subtype known as a bow maker or archetier.

John first found a passion for instruments when he lived in Portugal as a boy, from here he went to
Arabia where his passion for musical instruments continued.

John followed a career as surveyor / estimating and Architectural model maker until about 2002 when he transferred his considerable talent to the making and repair of musical instruments. Following studios at Leeds College of Music.

In making instruments, John's work has a real Baroque feel to it that deflects the influence of his Arabian and Portuguese influences. He has also recently worked on the repair and restoration of pipe organs of historical interest.

Call John on 07949 369 136 or visit him at the centre.