Our Team
Paul BelinViolin Maker
“Being part of Stretton Contemporary is an amazing opportunity to work alongside the outstanding examples of the Stretton Collection. It’s a dream and a true privilege to contribute to the legacy of the great masters.” – Paul Belin
Born in 1978 in southeastern France, Paul discovered his passion for violin making early in life. After graduating with distinction from the Newark School of Violin Making in the United Kingdom in 2000, he refined his craft in several workshops, including a notable seven-year collaboration with world-renowned luthier Stephan von Baehr. During this time, they participated in the Violin Society of America (VSA) competition, earning both silver and gold awards.
In 2014, Paul and his wife, Swantje Hirschmann, established their home near Frankfurt, Germany. While Swantje specializes in complex restoration projects, Paul devotes his expertise to crafting new instruments.