The London-based dealer, maker and restorer Florian Leonhard has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his ‘services to fine historical and modern stringed instruments’. The honour comes as part of the New Year’s Honours list for 2025.
‘I am deeply honoured to have been recognised for my services to stringed instruments,’ said Leonhard. ‘This award is a testament to the incredible support and collaboration of my friends, clients, and the dedicated team I have had the privilege to work with over the years. It inspires me to continue my research, share my expertise, and serve this extraordinary community of artists with passion and dedication.’
Leonhard began his luthier training at Mittenwald at the age of 19, later going on to become head restorer at W.E. Hill & Sons. He established Florian Leonhard Fine Violins in 1995, opening a New York branch in 2015, followed by shops in Seoul and San Francisco in 2021. He was appointed official expert and luthier for stringed instruments by the Royal College of Music in London in 2018.
He is the author of The Makers of Central Italy, The Makers of Tuscany, as well as his upcoming book The Archetypal Violins of Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù. He has written several features for The Strad, including an analysis of Stradivari’s 1709 ‘King Carlos IV’ violin and accompaying poster, and articles on Luigi Cavallini, Annibale Fagnola, Riccardo Genovese and the makers of Ferrara.
