Meet the Team of Bridge Street Violins
Laurentius - Resident Luthier
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.
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!
Heather - E-commerce Manager
Bridge Street Violins is truly a family business, behind the scenes - Heather is the driving force behind its digital presence. As the e-commerce manager, she oversees the website, SEO, data analytics, reporting, merchandising, and overall business operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
With a wealth of experience in e-commerce, Heather brings exceptional online expertise to the business. Her skill set allows Bridge Street Violins to reach customers across the UK and beyond, making high-quality instruments more accessible to musicians everywhere.
She is always working to improve the online experience, from updating product listings to optimising search functionality, so customers can easily find the perfect instrument.
Bridge Street Renovations
When she’s not busy with the website, Heather is leading the restoration and renovation of the Bridge Street building. With a full-scale renovation underway, this is no small task!
The next major project is the transformation of the shop room to improve accessibility and create a bespoke space for trying out instruments. This new space will be bright and airy, designed with strong acoustics, providing the perfect environment for musicians to test and compare instruments before making their choice.
The Cats of Bridge Street - Quality Assessment Team
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.
