Ian Clarke studied violin making in 1974 at the Newark School of Violin Making in England. He was awarded a silver medal in the Cremona Triennale competition for a violin he made whilst still a student and obtained a Diploma with Distinction and the Ralph Oakden Cup for outstanding achievement.

A prolific maker, Ian Clarke has made 97 violins, 106 violas and 20 cellos. He is a founding member of the AVMA (Australian Violin Makers Association)

This lovely viola is a fine example of this maker's work.