Knut Eriksson Helland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Knut Eriksson Helland, (b. 1851 - d. 1880) Norwegian Hardanger fiddle maker from Bø in Telemark, Norway.
Knut Eriksson Helland was the youngest son of Erik Jonsson Helland. He began to work in his fathers workshop at an early age, and showed great skill, especially in making fiddle bridges and gripboard. When he was nine years old he made the bridge to one of the violins that Ole Bull had ordered.
After the his fathers death he continued his fathers workshop. At first he worked alone, but he was later joined by his brother in-law, Gunnar Olavsson Helland (b. Haugen) to whom he taught the art of making violins.
Unfortunately, Knut died 29 years of age and Gunnar was the one to continue the tradition.
