This is the 25th Anniversary Lowden model, serial number 1 - £5,000 worth of Irish craftsmanship and the first of its kind (it is to be renumbered No 0 and kept in the factory museum). In the background is Beech House, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire and just out of shot is the doorstep which was honoured by having this instrument left on it by delivery men a few hours before George Lowden and Steve McIlwraith arrived. RMMGA meet organisers Chris Rockcliffe and Nigel Tucker were greeted, personally, on their arrival by this guitar.
Now if that isn't an auspicious way to start a weekend - or alternatively an insurance investigation - what is?
I apologise for the size of the guitar image. It just seemed a shame to do it small. Photographed by me, using a Minolta Dynax 303si camera and 35-80mm zoom with Konica Centuria 400 film. Shirley held the headstock of the guitar, letting go briefly to allow it to stand unsupported, then quickly catching hold again when each shot had been fired. The shading on the front is early morning shadow from trees. The 'black cedar' top looked wonderful in the sunshine.
