guitars

Introduction

Remarkable guitars by remarkable makers, a survey of the very best guitar making in the UK, curated by Gordon Giltrap.

A celebration of design, craftsmanship and music, Guitars: made in Britain, played the world over was a multi sensory exhibition experience which explored a culture of craft and design that has disappeared from many aspects of our lives, and revealed the practice of the music industry's unsung hero – the British guitar maker.

The guitar maker (or luthier) represents a valued and fabulous tradition of creating hand-made and exquisitely designed musical instruments. Driven by a passion for music, and a desire to build the perfect guitar that makes the perfect sound, the luthier spends a lifetime, refining the building process - choosing quality and perfection over profit margins and turnover.

This exhibition also represented a milestone in British guitar making. The UK has produced some of the finest guitar makers on the planet, which is no mean feat when one considers the output from American and the rest of Europe. Historically, British guitars haven’t received the same acclaim as the great American makers such as Gibson and Martin, and far eastern makers like Yamaha. Over recent years this has begun to change. British guitars by British makers have been ordered by players far and wide, and are getting the attention we believe they richly deserve.

The exhibition was both an opportunity to see these stunning instruments but also an opportunity to experience the 'sound' the handcrafted guitar produces under the expertise of master musicians. Please see the events listings for more details.

Gordon Giltrap has had a quiet but major influence on British contemporary music. Over a good forty years or so of performing he has built an extraordinary network of music lovers, including both players and instrument makers. There's a sustained passion in all Gordon's work. He's a consummate conspirer with some of the most famous musical names in the country.

Download a copy of the essay Gordon wrote for the exhibition (72kb):