Paul B. Shields
Paul is one of only several specialist bow-makers in Australia. He has devoted almost twenty years of his professional life to the study and practice of bow-making, and the exceptional beauty, precision and performance of his fully handmade pieces testifies to this dedication.
Paul grew up in rural Victoria and began woodwork at a very young age, making everything from hand-carved animals to wood-turned bowls and pens. As a teenager, he took courses in wood-turning, followed by a Certificate II in Building and Construction and a Joinery Apprenticeship. After winning a medal at the Australian division of the World Skills Joinery Competition, Paul’s passion for intricate woodwork, combined with his love of music, led him towards working with stringed instruments.
In 2005, Paul joined The Violineri in Melbourne with Brenton Fyfield and quickly learned all aspects of instrument and bow maintenance, repair and restoration. Within a few years, Paul had become The Violineri’s archetier and had made his own first few bows. In 2009, he began his own bow and luthiery business whilst continuing freelance work for Melbourne music retailers. He also spent several years honing his bow-making under the tutelage of award-winning bow-maker Lennox Holt.
A trip to Afghanistan in 2013, where Paul volunteered at a music school in Kabul, marked a profound event in his personal and professional life. The trip was organised via collaboration between the international charity Musiques Sans Frontières, the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, and Dr Ahmad Sarmast, the school’s founder and director. Along with musician and ABC radio presenter Ed Le-Brocq (formerly Emma Ayers), Paul donated his time to support the school’s development. He oversaw the school’s workshops and trained staff in Western instrument repair.
Since moving to Tasmania in 2015, Paul has continued as archetier for Martin Paul & Co. (formerly the Violineri), whilst developing his own business servicing the stringed instrument and bow needs of customers in Northern Tasmania and beyond. He also continues to produce handmade bows which sell to local and international players. Recently, he attended the Violin Society of America’s 2024 conference in the US and competed across multiple bow-making categories.
Evelyn Rose
Evelyn is Paul’s partner in love, life, and business. She is also an accomplished violinist, experienced orchestral and chamber musician, fully qualified teacher, and Doctor of Criminology. Before moving to Tasmania, Evelyn spent many years working in the music departments of Melbourne schools including The Academy of Mary Immaculate Girl’s College, St Bernards Boys’ College and Alphington Primary School. She also ran her own inner-city private music studio for over twelve years. Now, alongside ongoing teaching and research work, Evelyn supports the daily operation of Shields Bows & Strings in many ways including admin, customer service, and notably new bow testing and analysis. Her extensive playing and teaching experience enables her to provide expert advice and attention to customers and their unique needs.
Shields Bows & Strings 