Born in central France, in a family of wood workers and a musician herself, Lorraine was drawn to violin making from an early age. On deciding to become a violin maker, she came to England to study at the renowned Newark School of Violin Making in 2006.
She fell very quickly in love with the restoration of old instruments and directed her studies accordingly, specializing in restoration during her last 2 years at college.
Graduating in 2010, Lorraine then worked for 9 years for major restoration workshops in London and elsewhere in the UK where she perfected her skills and knowledge of violins, violas and cellos. Since 2019, she has set up her own workshop in Acton London, working with customers from all around the world, on the best instruments, such as those by Barack Norman, to Nicolo Amati, Antonio Stradivari, and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù…
Although she specialises in large scale restoration, she also undertakes smaller repairs and maintenance work. Over the years, Lorraine developed a reputation for tonal adjustment.
Specializing in the restoration of antique instruments, many instruments by great makers have visited the workshop: Barak Norman, B. Banks, The Voller Brothers, V. Panormo, J.B. Vuillaume, N. Gagliano, C.F. Landolfi, C.Camilli, F. Ruggieri, J.B. Rogeri, A. Guarneri, The Brothers Amati, N Amati, G.B. Guadagnini, A Stradivari, Guiseppe Guarneri del Gesù…
Lorraine undertakes both repair and restoration, always keeping in mind the ethics of her profession: working in as unintrusive a manner as possible and respecting the intent of the maker whilst keeping the musician in mind.
For many years, she has also been setting up instruments for both amateurs and professional players, taking great care that each instrument is at the best of its tonal qualities and playability.
Despite focussing on restoration, Lorraine still finds time to make instruments. She always has a project on the go.
Over the years, she has specialised in the cello, an instrument she plays and has always loved.
Do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know when her next instrument will be available. Lorraine also accepts commissions for new instruments.
Please reach out if you need more details.
If the instrument you're searching for isn't here, you can always speak to Lorraine about it. She has, in the past, been able to source specific instruments (or bows) using her network!
Current instruments for sale in the workshop:
“I have played several of Lorraine’s cellos, every one outstanding and very quick in response. These instruments left a distinguished and lasting impression with me, and a sense of enormous sound potential. Lorraine’s setup also reveals a real sensitivity to, and understanding of, the needs of working musicians!”
Neil Heyde (Cellist of the Kreutzer quartet & Head of Postgradate Programmes at the Royal Academy of Music)
“Lorraine did a great job repairing a crack along the bass bar of my cello which required hours of meticulous work, especially over the varnish.
Highly to be recommended!”
Vincent Hunt (Cellist & Teacher, Ireland)
“Lorraine worked on my violin after it had suffered a knock that caused a crack to appear down the belly of the instrument. Not only was she able to give me an accurate quote on costs and the time she would need to repair it there and then, she also understood how important to me it was to get my instrument repaired and back to work with me as quickly as possible.
Lorraine treated my violin with great care and kept in touch with me throughout the process, understanding how much I treasure my instrument. With my blessing she took the opportunity while it was in her workshop to repair a few other things that also needed some attention such as the corner blocks, some joins that needed gluing, and she fitted a new bridge and soundpost for the instrument, all to a very high standard.
When I came to pick up my instrument, the crack had been repaired expertly, the instrument had been set up with great attention to detail to get the best results from the sound. It felt strong, clean, clear and secure under my hands, and it looked so nice! After playing my violin in the workshop I realised that nothing would need to be adjusted as she had already put everything in place for it to respond to my playing perfectly and it simply sounded better than ever.”
Ruth Elder (Freelance violininst)
“Lorraine is a miracle worker — she can remove blemishes that have all the appearance of being permanent and do repairs that are invisible to the naked eye. And if she has had to take your instrument apart in order to repair it, it will almost certainly sound better when you get it back.”
Oliver Ticciati (Amateur Cellist)
(Currently awaiting more testimonials)
The Workshop is open by appointment only, drop us a message, a text or simply phone.
Address : 1A East Churchfield road, London, W3 7LL, UK
Phone : 07 449 812 166
The premises are very accessible, just next to Acton Central station (overground).
It can also be reached from the tube station in Acton Town (Piccadilly line) followed by a 5 minutes ride in the E3/70 Bus,
or from East Acton station (Central line) followed by 5minutes in the 70 Bus.