Victor Bernard

Victor Bernard was born in 1985 in Compiègne and studied at the International School of Lutherie in Newark, England, where he earned his diploma in 2008.

Passionate about bow making, he joined Maison Bernard in Brussels in the same year. There, he worked alongside Pierre Guillaume, who taught him the craft of making and restoring bows and instilled in him a love for antique bows and expertise.

He gained various learning experiences from renowned bow makers. In 2014, Victor joined the Flagey workshop in Brussels, working alongside luthier Joanne Van Bosterhaut.

He became an organizing member of Ekho, an association created to promote contemporary lutherie and bow making through exhibitions, concerts, and masterclasses.

The Marcel Vatelot Foundation awarded him a scholarship to support the development of his workshop and preparation for international bow making competitions.

He regularly participates in international bow making exhibitions in France, Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, the United States, and Japan.

Distinctions:

• VSA Violin Society of America (2022 Los Angeles): Gold Medal - violin bow, Certificates of Merit - viola bow - cello bow.
• Viola's Paris 2019: First Prize in Bow Making.
• VSA Violin Society of America (2018 Cleveland): Gold Medal - double bass bow, Certificates of Merit - violin bow - viola bow - cello bow.
• International Bow Making Competition Mittenwald, Germany (2018): Silver Medal - viola bow - cello bow.
• VSA Violin Society of America (2016 Cleveland): Certificate of Merit - violin bow.
• Viola's 2016: Geneviève STROSSER's Special Prize.
• VSA Violin Society of America (2014 Indianapolis): Certificate of Merit - violin bow.
• International Bow Making Competition Mittenwald, Germany (2014): Gold Medal - viola bow, Bronze Medal - cello bow.
• Cello in Seine, Paris (2012): Finalist Certificate.