Brooks Bozman

  Mercury String Shop provides truly exceptional instruments and complete range of service. This goal is facilitated through the background of owner and general manager Brooks Bozman, whose professional background as a cellist and teacher span some 25 years, and whose background in the violin trade spans some 13 years. Mr. Bozman studied performance and pedagogy at James Madison University and the University of Iowa. It was during his work with BSO principal cellist Mihaly Virizlay that he took a three year course of study in instrument repair with Baltimore luthier James Cox. After his apprenticeship Mr. Bozman applied his trade in Baltimore. From 2000-2003 he served as a repair technician for the Potter Violin Company where he further developed his skills in the environment of a larger violin shop. Mr. Bozman moved to the Richmond area and established Mercury String Shop in 2003.

  While performing with orchestras and teaching in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore areas Mr. Bozman’s volunteer activities have included work with the MD/DC Chapter of the American String Teachers Association as cello forum editor, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra as player’s committee chairman and with the D.C. Artists to End Hunger as volunteer musician coordinator.

John Larrimore

  Violin builder and restorer John Larrimore completed his eight year apprenticeship with Master violin maker Charles Shopland, whose influence in the Italian style of building and restoration through W.E. Hill and Sons gave Mr. Larrimore an unrivaled background. Mr. Larrimore established his shop in Richmond in 1980. Some of his more noteworthy customers have included members of the Richmond Symphony and members of the Shanghai Quartet. Specializing in the Guadagnini pattern, he also produces Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari pattern instruments. Mr. Larrimore is no stranger to baroque period instrument and bow making. His skill as an instrument restoration specialist is highly regarded in this region. Mr. Larrimore has shared his knowledge of the history and development of the violin with string students and teachers alike in Richmond and surrounding county public schools and universities.