George Schlieps

Who was George Schlieps?

George Schlieps -, was an outstanding Russian violin maker/ Luthier, who came from a family of musicians.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia. His uncle was the illustrious composer Alexander Glazunov.

While in Russia, studied law and made cabinets as a hobby. Studied violin making with Ernst Geisser. Worked in Viipuri, Finland and operated a shop in Helsinki.

Was appointed Luthier to the Sibelius Academy in 1936. Worked in Stockholm and in Estonia in 1939. Moved to Berlin in 1944 and worked as a repairman for a school there.

Later on, moved to Bridgend, England in 1947, establishing a violin-making school and manufacturing facility for the British government. Trained desabled soldiers to make violins.

After World War II, the Schlieps' family immigrated to New York City, where George and his son Armin, both violinmakers, were invited to work for Rembert Wurlitzer as restorers.

Soon after in 1952, established their own shop in Carnegie Hall.

George made about 250 instruments. After George's death in 1977, Armin Schlieps also an illustrious bow maker, moved to Seattle where he ran a successful shop since then.