Turners and Music

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The craft of turning has long been associated with the making of musical instruments. Read more about this history and the Company’s sponsorship of the Turners’ Consort using these links:

The Turners’ Consort

The Turners’ Company charity has commissioned a ‘consort’ of eight turned medieval-style recorders. Made by Tim Cranmore, one of the UK’s leading instrument makers, the Turners’ Consort will be loaned to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama for teaching and student performances. Read more …

The History of Church bells

Bells are amongst the smallest, largest and loudest of musical instruments. First cast over 5,000 years ago, bells become common in the medieval monasteries of Europe. In the City of London, the Turners’ Company is closely linked to the bells of St Paul’s Cathedral, Bow Church and St Lawrence Jewry. Read more …

St Paul’s Bell’s Appeal

The Turners’ Company and its members are contributing £30,000 to the refurbishment of the twelve principal bells of St Paul’s Cathedral. This support continues our long association with the bells of St Paul’s and will help preserve this iconic symbol of the City of London for future generations. Read more …

London Turners and Woodwind heritage

There was an explosion of secular music in the Renaissance Period. For almost two centuries, London woodwind instrument making was dominated by a network of over 140 London Turners. John Bridgeman explores the fascinating development of the English recorder from Henry VIII to the present day. Read more …

Jack Darach, Turners Company QEST Scholar

Jack Darach is one of Britain’s leading young Woodwind Instrument Makers. He was awarded the QEST Turners’ Livery Company Prize for 2016. At the Turners’ Company Livery Lunch on 28th September he played a delightful instrumental solo on his own, beautifully crafted, Ganassi Recorder. Read more …