Perfect Poise, Perfect Life
Bring your body into balance and revolutionise your life
By Noel Kingsley
Publisher Hodder Mobius
AVAILABLE HERE
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Sense of place
There are some special places in the world that have quite an effect on us. Naturally, we're all different with our own particular likes, idiosyncrasies and preferences, so we won't necessarily be drawn to the same things. Some of us love being on the ocean and sensing all that space and power. Others like being on top of a mountain, or alone in a dark and mysterious woodland like my father, or in a library, or sitting on a Greek jetty looking out to sea at sunset with feet dangling in water. Well I like much of these too, but I've just discovered a new one and it's just around the corner from my office.
J.P. Guivier is one of the foremost dealers and restorers in violins in the country and the oldest. Established in 1863 and occupying all the floors of a narrow-fronted terrace building in Mortimer Street, W1, it exudes charm from another era. Although they have only occupied these premises since the 1940's it is as though they've been there forever. One rings the bell to be allowed to enter, such is the value of all these instruments.. Once in and the door closes behind, you are in another world, back in time. I could happily sit in a corner for several hours if they'd let me, just to soak up the atmosphere.
Their showroom which is not large, smells of old and mature wood. traditional wood cabinets house violins, violas, cellos and bows of various ages, made in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and many other countries including the UK. All hand crafted, cut, shaped, polished and lovingly assembled then coated in those special varnishes that help them resonate to the full, these instruments are indeed works of art.....and music. There are old counters with strings, rosin, shoulder rests and chin rests. Everything is aged, mature and combining together to exude a quiet and mature calmness. There is a sense of peacefulness and tranquility, there is culture and history, not only of the shop, but of each instrument with their own story to tell. Who played them in the last century or earlier? What concerts have they performed in? Who were their previous owners and in which countries? And now they sleep in these cabinets waiting to be chosen, woken up and brought to life again. In each instrument is the potential for magnificent performance, depending on the ability of the player. And so they wait.
And I could wait all day, but when I've bought my Strad magazine, or some new rosin, they politely wait for me to leave and lock the door behind. Only if there is a queue do I get some extra time; my heart jumps a bit as I wait my turn to quietly and secretly revel in these moments to absorb and connect with this rare and magical place and all its jewels. I am looked at strangely if too often I invite the person behind me to go first, just so I can linger without drawing attention. It is like being in a church, but not as musty and more lived in. And it is like an old library but there are no books and it is like a museum where all the exhibits are able to be purchased.
I have had my two violins restored here and they have allowed me to use one of their two practice rooms on the first floor to try out new shoulder rests and bows. These rooms are simple, with polished antique side-table, a tuning fork and cloth to lay the instrument on. There are many more floors and I am curious as to their nature and what hidden activities of restoration and valuation go on in there. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to see. But in the meantime, I'll content myself with finding another 'essential' reason for me to bob round to J.P. Guivier. There must be something I need!
:-)
