About

Musician's understanding. Maker's precision. A genuine passion for the bow.

Who I Am

The person behind the work

Trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where I developed the performer's ear to understand exactly what a bow needs to do for a player, and at Merton College's violin making and repairing programme, I bring both artistic sensibility and technical rigour to every bow I work on.

As a committee member of the British Violin Makers Association (BVMA), I sit at the centre of the bow-making and restoration world in the UK, with direct access to the best current thinking, the strongest network of colleagues and the highest standards of practice.

I'm based in Farnham, Surrey, and work by appointment. I'm happy to collect bows within a few miles of Farnham for those who find travelling difficult.

Location

Farnham, Surrey

All work is by appointment. I can arrange collection within a few miles of Farnham if needed.

Training & Credentials

Graduate, Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Graduate, Merton College, Violin Making & Repairing

Committee Member, British Violin Makers Association

Get in Touch

What I do

Services & Approach

What I offer

  • Rehairing. I use only the finest, ethically sourced horsehair, applied with the technique developed through my Merton College training and refined through ongoing BVMA study.
  • Bow Repair. Careful restoration of faces, lappings and thumb leathers for bows that need more than a rehair, carried out with respect for each bow's individual character.
  • Bow Sales & Sourcing. Drawing on my training and BVMA network, I can help you find the right bow, from quality modern instruments to sought-after antiques.

What sets Barnett Bows apart

  • A musician's perspective. Having studied and performed at Guildhall, I understand what players need from their bow, not just what it looks like on the workbench.
  • Dedicated craftsmanship. Every stage of the process, from inspection through rehairing and repair to return, is carried out with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Continuous learning. As a BVMA committee member, I stay current with the latest techniques, materials and research, bringing that knowledge to every bow I work on.
  • Personalised approach. I work collaboratively with you to understand your needs and restore your bow to its full potential.
  • Open communication. I'll assess your bow honestly, set realistic expectations and keep you informed throughout. No jargon, no obligation.