Trevor Hutton (flute maker)
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January 25, 1923
Trevor Hutton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Trevor Wyn Albert Hutton January 25, 1923 Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Died | December 21, 2017 (aged 94)[1] Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Flute maker, Flute player, Jeweller |
| Notable work | Concert flutes, Alto flutes, Bass flutes, Piccolos |
| Spouse | Hazel Hutton (née Tolchard) (married 1946) |
| Children | Judith, Graeme, Andrew |
Trevor Wyn Albert Hutton (January 25, 1923 – December 21, 2017) was a New Zealand flute maker, flautist, and jeweller. He played the flute from a young age and pursued a career as a jeweller before turning to flute making.
Trevor Wyn Albert Hutton was born on January 25, 1923, to Albert and Doris Hutton, both flute players. He married Hazel Hutton (née Tolchard) on April 27, 1946, and they had three children: Judith, Graeme, and Andrew. Raised in Spreydon, Christchurch, Hutton attended Christchurch Normal School and West Christchurch High School. He had a passion for motorbikes, starting with his father's 1923 Harley Davidson and owning several Harley Davidsons throughout his life.[2] Hutton left school at 15 and apprenticed as a jeweller with Richards and Henshall, working there for 22 years. He later worked for Kennedys Diamond Rings and Sladen and Son Jewellers for 11 years each before retiring from jewellery to focus on his flute-making business.[3]
Flute manufacture
Trevor Hutton began flute-making in the 1970s by crafting a new headjoint for his flute.[2] Subsequently, he completed a new flute body made of gold and silver, which he used in professional engagements. Without access to pre-made tubing from bullion merchants, he created his own tubing, posts, keys, springs, and screws from raw materials.[4][5] In his early years, he made his own pads from felt and animal intestine skins, assisted by his father when pads were scarce.[6] Hutton used gold and silver recovered from photographic processes and other sources, and made alloys for flute making. On average, crafting a flute took him about 200 hours. By visiting Powell Flutes in Boston, USA, he learned more about the manufacturing process. Although unable to afford similar equipment, he started importing pre-formed tubing and flute pads, reducing the manufacturing time.[2] Hutton crafted concert flutes, alto flutes, bass flutes, and piccolos.[7]
