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.
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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):
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Images of the exhibition and many of the individual guitars can be found on Flickr.
Exhibitions Guitars

Exhibitors
The exhibition features the work of over thirty of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary guitar makers. More information about each soon.
A J Lucas
Northworthy Musical Instruments
Andy Manson
Brian Eastwood.
Brook Guitars
Chris George
Chris Eccleshall
Dave of England
David Oddy
David Whiteman
Duncan Wales at Organic Guitars
Doug Kyle
Earl Marsh
Fylde Guitars
Gary Southwell Guitars
Jim Fleeting Guitars
Jimmie Moon
Delta Resonator Guitars
John Marlow
Jonathan Kinkade Guitars
Keith Smart
Hania Guitars
Martyn Booth
Mick Johnson
Susan Johnson
Nick Benjamin
Patrick James Eggle Guitars
Philip of Woodfeild Moore Guitars
Ralph Bown
Rob Armstrong
Rob Williams
Roger Williams
Shona Bluhm
Gus Guitars
Toon Guitars
Stuart Mewburn
Malcolm Weaver
Bailey Guitars
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Events
More information about events in the flyer (see left)
Sat 6 Dec 11am-4pm : Guitar Makers Clinic - FREE
Sun 7 Dec 11am-2.30pm: The craft of guitar making - FREE
Tues 9 Dec 5.30-7.30pm: Late night guitar shopping
Sat 13 Dec: Buskers Day
Thurs 15 Jan: Acoustic Guitars - a presentation about new technologies and guitar making - more information soon.
Mon 19 Jan 10am-7:30pm: Last chance to buy
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exhibitions
In more detail

Hub National Centre for Craft & Design, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
Open nearly every day of the week.