HARPSICHORDS crafted in Dorset are played in some of the most prestigious music centres in the world - Glynde-bourne, Covent Garden and the Rome Conserva-toire to name but a few.

Mike Johnson, now 70, is still passionate about his work and produces up to five of the instruments a year, costing £20,000 each, at his workshop in Bedchester, just outside Fontmell Magna.

As a youngster Mike was apprenticed to top piano maker John Broadwood and Sons, specialising in piano restoration before deciding to strike out on his own in 1969.

"I got fed up with restoring other people's work and wanted do something of my own," he said.

He sold a cottage in Devon and awarded himself a year off to try his hand.

The venture was successful and his instruments are now highly prized.

"I take my work very, very seriously and I have always had a demand for my harpsichords," said Mike, who has no intention of retiring.

"It's a lifetime's study, you're still learning. I really look forward every morning to coming to work.

"Every instrument is better than the last and we love what we're doing.

"Everything is hand built - even the brass fittings - so you have total quality control."

His assistant Charles Gellett joined him 30 years ago straight from Poole Grammar School.

"He does all the cabinet work, the lacquering, the gilding and I do the musical side - we're a good team," he said.

Mike, who is a good amateur pianist, has lived in Dorset for 40 years with his wife Maureen. The couple have one son.

One of the harpsichords will get an airing in Wimborne Minster when Caroline Bergius gives a concert with violinist Adrian Lazar in October.

The lid of Caroline's instrument has been painted with a specially commissioned landscape.

That was not unusual in the instrument's heyday.

"There are some pretty famous paintings on harpsichords," Mike said.

"Rembrandt and Rubens painted harpsichords made by Ruckers of Antwerp in the late 16th and early 17th century."

First published: August 13