Making Matters: A head for figures

Screen Shot 2020-02-07 at 14.44.52

Luthiers such as Jacob Stainer often surmounted their instruments with elaborately carved heads rather than scrolls. Lloyd McCaffery, a professional wood carver, explains how he developed a modern take on an ancient art form

I am an artist and sculptor who specialises in miniature wood carving and ship models. I have been creating full-time for over 50 years. Along the way I have enjoyed branching out and exploring other types of carving. I have always admired the carved heads on old stringed instruments, so I thought I might make a contribution to the genre. 

My first step was to learn as much as possible about bowed stringed instruments. I read all I could about their history and development, and what things luthiers need to take into account – wood choice, tools, techniques, and methods of finishing, for example. I also watched videos on YouTube to get a visual sense of the craftsmanship that goes into this complex subject, my goal being to understand what is important to the maker and, equally, to the player. I realised that whatever I carve cannot interfere with the sound the violin makes – but also that my sculpted head must not get in the way of the player’s technique. A heavy head would be a drag…

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.