Portrait
Mark Jennings is a British luthier working in Cornwall and a well-regarded maker in the United Kingdom. He makes violins and violas in both modern and baroque setups.
He came to making through woodwork, and after Merton College trained at the Newark School of Violin Making. He works within the traditions of seventeenth and eighteenth century Cremona, drawing on Amati, Stradivari and Guarneri, and takes a particular interest in historically informed instruments, which is unusual among makers whose modern work is equally strong.
His instruments are played by professional and advanced players across the United Kingdom.
We came to Mark's work through his baroque instruments and later took our first modern violin from him. From the very first note a deep resonance comes off the instrument, and it carries the qualities most players are actually hunting for: a bright, projecting tone, but with a richness and warmth behind it that sets it apart from other bright violins. His violas are worth asking about too. He is an esteemed maker here and we are glad to be working with him.
Elsewhere
Compare instruments against each other, and against an antique, in a blind test with studio audio. No labels until you have chosen.
What models does Mark Jennings work from?
Amati, Stradivari and Guarneri.
Where are Mark Jennings instruments made?
In Cornwall, the United Kingdom. Every instrument is then set up and checked in our own London workshop before it reaches a player.
