Meet the Team of Bridge Street Violins
The craftsman behind Bridge Street Violins, Laurentius is responsible for all instrument projects, including restoration, sound adjustment, rentals, and client instrument check-ups. He also manages all customer consultations, ensuring that each instrument meets the highest standards of playability and sound.
Founding Bridge Street Violins in 2019 after a purchasing a property on the aptly named Bridge Street in the quiet village of Billinghay in Lincolnshire, Laurentius has a long career as a professional Luthier and has relished the opportunity to build a workshop and client base under his own name.
Laurentius - Resident Luthier & Owner
Completing a EDI Level 2 & 3 certificates in Classical Musical Instrument Technology, specialising in Stringed Instrument Making - from the Violin Family, along with a certificate specialising in Baroque Instruments. Later completing a Diploma in Advanced Violin Making and Advanced Repairs, at the Newark School of Violin Making and Repair. Laurentius is a well qualified Luthier with many years of training and experience.
During his time at college he learned the art of violin making from Robert Cain, Paul Harold, Ceris Jones, Nigel Melfi, and Peter Smith. Restoration and bow repairs he learned from Bharat Khandekar, Kai Dase and Paul Gosling. After completing his studies, Laurentius went on to work with many distinguished professionals across Europe, including Johannes Jacobs in the Netherlands, Narelle Freeman in the UK, and Peter Westermann in Switzerland, further expanding his experience and knowledge base.
With a wide knowledge base Laurentius is well trusted by his clients. He listens and is happy to give honest advice on all queries, from services and repairs to newbuild projects and valuations. Get in touch to start the conversation today!
A Family Business
Bridge Street Violins is very much a family business, with support happening both in the workshop and behind the scenes. Away from the bench, Laurentius wife Heather helps to support the business by looking after the website and online presence, ensuring information is clear, up to date and accessible to customers.
With a long career in online retail, Heather brings valuable digital knowledge to the business, helping Bridge Street Violins connect with musicians across the UK and beyond. This behind-the-scenes work plays an important role in making high-quality instruments easier to discover and explore online.
From refining product listings to improving how customers navigate the site, her focus is on creating a smooth, helpful online experience that complements the care and expertise offered in the workshop.
Bridge Street Renovations
Alongside our work in the workshop, we’re currently renovating our new shop space within this beautiful 1890’s building. This ongoing project marks an exciting new chapter for Bridge Street Violins and will soon allow us to welcome customers into a dedicated showroom.
The new space is being designed to provide a professional environment for trying and comparing instruments, with careful attention paid to acoustics and accessibility. With the workshop close at hand, Laurentius will be available to ensure instruments are kept in tip top condition and adjusted as needed.
While the shop is still under construction, our current workshop entrance can feel a little chaotic at times. We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this period, we’re very grateful for the kindness shown so far and we’re confident it will all be worth it once the space is complete.
Quality Assessment Team - The Cats of Bridge Street
No violin leaves Bridge Street Violins without passing the most rigorous of tests—approval from the Quality Assessment Team. The cats of Bridge Street have a keen ear for sound and won’t stand for anything less than purrfection!
Lilly & Arya ("The Girls") – The newest members of the team, these curious sisters love to greet visitors. Though still a little shy, they can usually be found napping in the workshop, always ready to twitch an ear at an off-note.
Cookie ("The Retiree") – Once the head of quality control, Cookie has now stepped back to enjoy a well-earned retirement. Less likely to be found in the workshop (unless there’s a sunbeam to investigate), he can usually be spotted lounging on velvet cushions or quietly observing from a distance. Friendly despite his grumpy expression, he never turns down a head rub.
