Ian Watchorn

Maker & Conservator
of historical stringed
instruments.

About Ian

Ian Watchorn began his professional career as a maker & repairer of instruments in Sydney, Australia in 1976, moving to Canberra in 1979.

Three Beautiful guitar made by Ian Watchorn.
A beautiful Lute stringed instrument made by Ian Watchorn.

After studying instrument conservation in Germany, he worked as a conservationists for prestiged museums in the same country.

Three French Pattern 
Panormo Guitars made by Ian Watchorn.

New Instruments

Ian Watchorn makes new string instruments from various periods and styles such as:

 

  • Period bowed instruments: violin family, viola da Gamba, viola d’amore, Baryton, Lirone, Arpeggione, etc.
  • Period bows: 17th to early 19th century for various instruments;
  • Period plucked instruments: various types of Lute, Theorbo, renaissance and baroque guitar, early romantic guitars, etc.

Conservation, Restoration, Consultancy & Resources

Conservation & restoration services are available to public institutions, private collectors of musical instruments, performers, teachers, musicologists & researchers.

Ian also offers consultancy and collection management services, as well as researching and lecturing.

Two well restored violins by Ian Watchorn.
A Forster Cello piece in restoration process by Ian Watchorn