I trained originally as a boatbuilder in East Anglia, but have always loved music and instruments, and made my first dulcimer in the first boatyard I worked in, more than 25 years ago. The name 'SILVER SPEAR' comes from one of my favourite Irish tunes - one which symbolises, for me, the power and beauty of our traditional music.

It was the unique sound of the harp and dulcimer which drew me to them in the first place, so the sound of an instrument - which I like to be rich and expressive - is always my first consideration. But I believe that instruments should also be objects of beauty, in their own right; and the shape of my harps, for instance, is influenced by the strong, sweeping lines of viking longships.

In addition to making and playing, I have written articles about instrument-making for woodworking magazines; have worked with other dulcimer makers and players in Central Europe, Iran and China, on a Winston Churchill Fellowship; and was awarded a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship to develop my instrument-making at London Guildhall University.

Most of my instruments are made to order, but I try to keep a small stock of the most popular models, whenever possible; and sometimes have special or second-hand instruments available. Please check on this website, or by phone or E-mail; and for details of any festivals or exhibitions I will be attending.

I also have a small but growing fleet of harps for hire.