Tom Jenkins Award for makers of bowed stringed instruments (West Dean College of Arts and Conservation)

Funds granted in alternate years to the British Violin Making Association and West Dean College.

The Tom Jenkins Award for makers of bowed stringed instruments was founded in 1995 by Dr Terence Pamplin (former Junior Warden of the Company) and Professor Yfrah Neaman (winner of the Cobbett Medal in 1997), together with the support of the late Margaret Campbell, a Freeman of the Company.  Funds were provided from the sale of the 1697 Stradivarius made famous by virtuoso violinist Tom Jenkins who led the BBC Grand Hotel broadcasts on Sunday evenings in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Stradivarius was 23 when he made the violin shortly after leaving the Amati workshop.  The Award therefore goes to a student based in a modern-day workshop at West Dean College who shows total commitment to and skill in the making of violins and related bowed instruments.

The submission deadline for the 2024 Award is 31st December 2024. Please download an application form and Regulations using the links below.

2023 winners: Benjamin Colt and Seoyoon Jeon