an
Strick was first noticed by Jacques Bernard in 1977
for his commitment to and gift for violin-making, and followed his
advice to train in France, at Mirecourt and Angers, in the purest
French tradition. The relationship gradually grew closer, to the extent
that when Jacques Bernard retired, it was Strick who took over "Maison
Bernard", a famous violin-making firm in Liège.
Pierre
Guillaume was Bernard's choice for bow-making. Henceforth, the bow-maker
and violin-maker would form a young, dynamic team.
Again on the advice of Jacques Bernard, Maison Bernard moved to Brussels
in 1986 and supplies all services from
its workshop: instrument making, repair and restoration, selling and
purchasing, appraisal and advice. Jan
Strick has specialised in appraisal and in the study of instruments
manufactured by Flemish violin-makers. He is also committed to training
apprentice violin-makers by means of courses in his workshop.
Located in the centre of Brussels, next to the Royal Conservatory,
Maison Bernard also has links with most of Belgium's violinists,
violists, cellists and double bassists, as well as many musicians
and violin-makers in Europe, Asia and America.
The firm is closely
connected with the famous Queen Elisabeth Competition, throughout
which the competitors may rely on the experience of Jan Strick and Pierre Guillaume. These
early international friendships have deepened with the years.
Jan Strick is an expert with the Brussels Law Courts, a member of
the Chamber of Experts in Artworks and a member of the International
Society of Violin and Bow Makers.
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