Daniel received a grant towards the purchase of tools during his first year at West Dean.  Amongst the projects he undertook during his first year of studies was the making of the illustrated instrument, a treble viola da gamba in the style of John Rose c.1650.  Daniel writes:

"It is with much gratitude I received financial help from the RAB trust, with this money I was able to buy a good selection of tools to start me on my journey of becoming a maker of stringed musical instruments. The financial help from the trust means a great deal to me particularly as I have found it difficult to find other funding towards course fees and living expenses for the duration of my chosen course. Help from the trust has armed me with a good level of basic tools without which my first and now second year would have proved difficult.

"A good work man keeps good tools"

Having the right tool for the job and of good quality is imperative to produce a fine finished product. In a world where accuracy and speed is of utmost importance keeping a selection of good quality tools is invaluable. With the money from the trust I was able to buy a good number of chisels and gouges, carving knives, Japanese saw, fret saw ,burnisher and a replacement blade for my number 7 plane."

return to award winners

return to top of page