Quick Facts
Biography
George Schlieps - (1894-1977), was an outstanding Russian violin maker/ Luthier (of German origins), 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 theSibelius Academy in 1936. Worked in Stockholm and in Estonia in 1939. Moved to Berlin in 1940 and worked as the official repairman for the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Later on, moved to Bridgend, England in 1947, establishing a violin-making school and manufacturing facility for the British government. Trained disabled soldiers to make violins.
After World War II (in 1950), the Schlieps' family (George, Alma, Mira and Armin) immigrated to New York City, where George and his sonArmin, both violinmakers, were invited to work for Rembert Wurlitzer as restorers.
Soon after in 1952, established their own shopin Carnegie Hall.
George made about 250 instruments. After George's death in 1977, Armin Schlieps (the son)(b. 1931 - d. 2005) also an illustrious bow maker (Archetier), moved to Seattle where he ran a successfulshop since then. Armin was trained in the Wurlitzer shop in New York and became widely known for his repair work in the Seattle area from 1970 onward. He made instruments and over 200 bows as of 1986. He died in 2005.