A one-of-a-kind cello will soon make its world premiere in the County Durham setting which inspired its design.
Handcrafted by internationally renowned and award-winning luthier Paris Andrew, the cello was inspired by the 150-acre Deer Park at Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland, once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham for more than 800 years and now part of The Auckland Project.
The instrument, named Cervo, will be unveiled at Auckland Palace during a special event marking the completion of its new Cart Shed Garden, the final element in a series of restored landscapes across the historic estate.
Paris, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and The Churchill Trust, trained in London and later studied in Florence with some of Italy’s most respected luthiers – skilled craftspeople who build, repairs, or restore stringed musical instruments.
She is known for blending traditional craftsmanship with imaginative, contemporary design, and her instruments are played by leading musicians around the world.
Her signature “anomaly” violins draw inspiration from art, nature, and history.
The cello itself features antler-shaped sound holes, a carefully sculpted scroll, and gold detailing along the ribs, each element designed to evoke the elegance and strength of the deer that have inhabited the grounds for centuries.
The unique Cervo Deer violin features distinctive antler-shaped sound holes (Image: LINDORA FILM)
She said: “Cervo is unlike any instrument I’ve ever made.
“The inspiration came directly from the magnificent Deer Park at Auckland Palace, and I wanted the cello to capture something of the grace, strength and beauty of the deer that have roamed these landscapes for centuries.
“Every detail, from the antler-shaped sound holes to the sculpted scroll and goldwork, has been carefully crafted to tell that story.
“To unveil the instrument in the very place that inspired it, and to hear it played publicly for the first time by such talented musicians, is incredibly special.”
The unveiling will take place on Friday, July 17, in the newly completed Cart Shed Garden at Auckland Palace.
Friends of The Auckland Project and specially invited guests will be among the first to see and hear the cello during its debut live performance.
The cello was designed by internationally renowned and award-winning luthier Paris Andrew (Image: LINDORA FILM)
Young musicians Grace Marwood, Eric Yeung, and Freddie Grimwade will perform in the world-premiere recital, bringing the cello’s story to life through music.
Jane Ruffer, CEO of The Auckland Project, said: “We’re passionate about creating experiences that inspire people and celebrate the extraordinary stories and talent found here in the North.
“The unveiling of Cervo is a wonderful example of that, bringing together exceptional craftsmanship, gifted young musicians and the remarkable landscape of Auckland Palace.”
The garden is the final element in the series of gardens at Auckland Palace, designed by landscape architect Pip Morrison. The space links the Wilderness Garden and the Paradise Garden and has an emphasis on community use and learning.
A building with a kitchenette offers space for groups to gather, with solid oak trestles made from a fallen tree by woodwork volunteers.
