Homo Faber Guide

Visit my workshop on the digital platform www.homofaberguide.com/en/discover/artisans-ulrike-dederer
going live on September 17, 2020


Violin Maker Ulrike Dederer in her workshop in Zürich.

The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship presents Homo Faber Guide, a unique digital platform dedicated to fine craftsmanship in Europe. It is an online, searchable platform, which showcases artisans, ateliers, museums, galleries and experiences linked to the world of fine craftsmanship around Europe.
The portal connects art enthusiasts, collectors, clients, galleries, curious travellers and designers with the continent’s crafting excellence.

 

„Why varnish matters“

My article in the Strad Magazine, October 2020
https://www.thestrad.com/lutherie/making-matters-why-varnish-matters/11163.article

Three years ago Sarah Lämmlein, researcher at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa),  contacted me and asked about my varnishing procedure.
That time she was researching the influence of varnish systems on moisture protection and on vibrational properties of violin wood.
In the article I explain my varnishing systems and Sarah’s research and results.

Preparation of oil varnish

A course for violin makers run by François Perego
Brittany, August 2020

François Perego is a leading expert for varnish and pigment making. His background is in chemistry and painting restoration. The course programme included preparing linseed oil, melting different resins as colofony, amber and sandarac and cooking varnishes:
alchemy of the Renaissance!

 

Teaching: Varnishing classes in Cremona, January-February 2019

Alessandro Tossani, violin restorer in Cremona and owner of Cremonatools asked me to give lessons in varnishing to professional violin makers. During four days I was explaining and demonstrating my way of varnishing. Additionally Alesssandro invited two scientists (Marco Malagodi/Museo del violino and Sarah Lämmlein/EMPA) and two producers of fine pigments (Marco Fantuzzi and Wallace Seymour LTD) for lectures about varnish properties and chemistry.
Thank you, Alessandro!

(f.l.t.r.: Marco Fantuzzi, Alessandro Tossani, Ulrike Dederer, Marco Malagodi)

VSA Competition 2018:
Member of the jury

The 23rd Violin Making Competition by the Violin Society of America is held in Cleveland/OH November 4–8, 2018.
I am very happy to be part of this exciting event as a jury member in the categories viola, cello and quartet.

„Our dual mission is to recognize those makers who are at the top of their field, and help those not there yet to learn how they might do better. Our efforts today will make sure we have top tier violin and bow makers tomorrow.“
Ryan McLaughlin, Chair of the Competition Committee

https://www.vsaweb.org/2018-convention