Shem Mackey, Luthiery

Woodworker of the Year Award 2024

Kent-based luthier Shem Mackey has won this year’s Woodworker of the Year Award, supported by Axminster Tools, including a £2,000 prize and trophy awarded at a special presentation at Eltham Palace on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

The award, supported for the third year running by Axminster Tools, celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to working with wood over the past year. It recognises a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, based on a proven dedication to a particular woodworking skill.

Shem Mackey has become synonymous with the highest quality stringed-instruments in the world over the past 30 years, constantly striving to improve and bring new ideas into this historical craft. He recently produced one of the most iconic of instruments, a highly-decorated three manual Baryton with a total of 41 strings.