Violin Varnish: notes and articles from the workshop of Koen Padding
Koen Padding was well-known through his company, Magister, which produced historically-informed varnish products for violins. After his death in 2012, I decided to collect and publish the information he had made available in his lifetime. This book contains the articles that Koen Padding wrote for specialist publications, the notes he provided with his products, information he gave to users of his products, details of materials left in his workshop on his death and the orders he made from specialist suppliers, and chemical analysis of some Magister products.
A second edition of the book was published by The Strad Magazine in 2018. For more details, and to buy a copy, click on this link.
The first edition of the book was published in 2015. It was run as a non-profit project, and the proceeds of around £20,000 have benefitted the family of Koen Padding and the following organisations:
Nordoff Robbins Music therapy
OXFAM Syria Appeal
Luthiers sans Frontières Development of violin repair skills/instrument maintenance in disadvantaged countries
National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Inspire scheme
Chetham’s School of Music Seat dedication in the new Stoller Hall, Manchester UK
MitMachMusik Project based in Berlin, helping refugee children through music
The Open String Supporting music projects in disadvantaged communities in America
UNICEF Rohingya refugee crisis appeal
RAB Trust Supporting student violin makers in the UK with work experience placements, financial support and materials
IPCI Establishing sustainable pernambuco plantations in South America
