A project for classical makers
Luthiers and bow makers craft violins, violas, cellos and their bows by hand, perpetuating historic savoir-faire. Their instruments and bows are all created from scratch, from the selection of wood to the choosing and installation of strings, including the making and application of varnish. These instruments come to life in the hands of musicians. The interaction between craftsmen and musicians is essential to both disciplines.
A Montreal Collective
This project is primarily aimed at the luthiers and bow makers who occupy the premises full-time and make it their main production site. It will also benefit the entire Montreal luthier/bowmaker community through its documentation center and the organization of informative conferences.
Canadian and overseas colleagues motivated by a desire to share are welcomed to spend extended periods of time with us. Trainees and graduates seeking experience and further training are welcomed and will be offered support and supervision. Through these activities, the center encourages the exchange of techniques and information.
Within the CLM, Montreal musicians can find an independent lutherie center where they can meet several makers directly, try out the fruits of local lutherie in a single location, and have privileged contact with their luthiers. Ideally, a space dedicated to musician performance will complete the project.
There are many luthiers in Montreal, and they regularly get together to fraternize and exchange ideas. The dynamic between the different workshops is very convivial, and several colleagues have shown their interest in this grouping project. The quality of lutherie in Quebec, and particularly in Montreal, is currently booming. Numerous prizes have been awarded to Montreal luthiers at international competitions.
It is this period of success and dynamism that motivates the group to realize its common space project.
The project’s origin
The project’s promoters are Isabelle Wilbaux, Guillaume Turgeon, Louis Gord and Fabienne Gauchet, luthiers of the quartet in Montreal. Each self-employed, they frequently take part in shows, exhibitions and competitions. They are recognized both internationally and locally.
From 2015 until 2022, Mr. Turgeon and Ms. Gauchet shared a workshop a stone’s throw from that of Ms. Wilbaux and Mr. Gord. This proximity enabled them to develop a relationship of sharing and exchange that has proved beneficial beyond their expectations. From this exceptional relationship was born the idea of innovating by imagining a new model: a grouping that favors exchanges while preserving the individuality of each person’s work.
A project supported by the 2021 support program for collective cultural real estate projects
Launched in 2020 by the Conseil des Arts de Montréal in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, this program is designed to support artists, collectives and cultural organizations in the development and perpetuation of their creative spaces.
Collectif Lutherie Montréal is one of eight projects selected in 2021; as such, the Collectif benefits from the support of a technical resource group (GRT) for the implementation of its cultural capital projects.