The Stamford shop team
Introducing you to our shop team working in-house at Stamford Strings, with complementary skills and talents.
Libby summers
DIRECTOR, CHIEF violin maker AND VIOLINIST
Founder and Director of Stamford Strings, Libby Summers graduated from The Newark School of Violin Making in 2020 after four years of study. Prior to this she had a successful career as a knitwear designer and is a published author. As well as being trained in repairs, restoration, making and bow repairs, Libby is a violin teacher with over 20 years experience. Her depth of understanding of the instrument and student requirements enhances her making and servicing skills, and her ability to respond to client's needs and expectations.
Libby will turn her hand at anything in the workshop to meet customer requirements but her special strengths are set ups and retouching. She particularly enjoys fitting new pegs, cutting bridges and making repair work disappear with her artist's palette. Libby is a member of the BVMA and ran their social media for several years. She is now Chair of The RAB Trust, a prestigious charity that raises funds and makes awards to violin making students each year.
Libby will turn her hand at anything in the workshop to meet customer requirements but her special strengths are set ups and retouching. She particularly enjoys fitting new pegs, cutting bridges and making repair work disappear with her artist's palette. Libby is a member of the BVMA and ran their social media for several years. She is now Chair of The RAB Trust, a prestigious charity that raises funds and makes awards to violin making students each year.
Louis peterson
Trainee violin maker
Louis first joined Stamford Strings for work experience in 2021. This led him to apply to Newark School of Violin Making and he is now finishing his second year there. Louis approached violin making from an engineering background, and thus has a keen interest in instrument design. His current focus is on advanced repair and new making.
He has returned to Stamford Strings as a part time violin maker and restorer and also helps with sales on Saturdays.
He has returned to Stamford Strings as a part time violin maker and restorer and also helps with sales on Saturdays.
louise barnes
Chief Administrator
Louise is a qualified accountant and is part of the administrative team at Stamford Strings. She does the business' bookkeeping and is also in charge of stock management and inventory. She can often be seen at the shop on Thursday mornings, keeping things in order!
Emily Potts
Business advisor
Emily is a leadership coach, business mentor and culture development consultant for ambitious SME founders.
She began her career in the corporate sector in London before taking her own online retail business from foundation to successful sale. She subsequently trained as an executive coach and mentor so that she could help other business owners create more growth, with less stress in a business they love.
As a fellow musician, Emily understands the importance that quality and sound plays in every aspect of the Stamford Strings business.
She began her career in the corporate sector in London before taking her own online retail business from foundation to successful sale. She subsequently trained as an executive coach and mentor so that she could help other business owners create more growth, with less stress in a business they love.
As a fellow musician, Emily understands the importance that quality and sound plays in every aspect of the Stamford Strings business.