Born in Louvain in 1966, Thomas Meuwissen grew up into a family of eminent engineers, architects, scholars and entrepreneurs. Fascinated by sculpture and architecture, Meuwissen initially studied fine arts, where his love of materials and craftsmanship gradually took shape. After preparatory violin making studies in Belgium, he was accepted at the renowned Newark School of Violin Making in England. In the years following his graduation he perfected his skills in the workshops of Přemysl Špidlen in Prague and Frédérique Chaudière in Montpellier, among others.
After preparatory violin making studies in Belgium, he was accepted at the renowned Newark School of Violin Making in England. In the years following his graduation he perfected his skills in the workshops of Přemysl Špidlen in Prague and Frédérique Chaudière in Montpellier.
Since 1987 Meuwissen has been working on the production and restoration of fine violins, violas and cellos. In addition to this, he has a worldwide reputation to conduct sound adjustments to some of the finest instruments of our musical heritage.
After his civilian service at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, Meuwissen obtained his first residency at that same conservatory in 1993, where he stayed until 2006.
From May 2015 till May 2017, the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels offered Thomas a unique residency: the 7th floor of Old England, its beautiful Art Nouveau building on the Montagne de la Cour, became his workshop.
From his base in Brussels, Meuwissen has over the years built up an international clientele and his instruments are played by soloists including Igor Oistrakh, Vadim Repin, Maria Kliegel and Lucas Hagen.
Instruments placed at the disposal of gifted soloists from around the world.
Violin Maker in Residence, open atelier visible to the public, May 2015 – May 2017.
Making of a complete string quartet during civil service, masterclasses, lectures, and maintenance of the permanent collection, 1993 – 2006.
New making, maintenance, restoration, certification and evaluation for the permanent collection and musicians.
Instruments made for the permanent collection and on loan to students.
Instruments made for the permanent collection and placed at the disposal of outstanding musicians.
Instruments made by Thomas are held in private and public collections worldwide.
Thomas Meuwissen is regularly asked to give commentary on radio and television. For the Queen Elizabeth Competition for violin, he gave exhaustive television commentary on the instruments played by the finalists. Numerous articles have covered his oeuvre in both national and international publications.