A bespoke guitar made by a Heaton music shop is helping raise money for conservation groups trying to buy the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland.
Curvy Sounds owners Jess and Andrew Mills customised a Tokai Les Paul, transforming its original plain black finish with more than 100 pieces of mother of pearl, resin and mirror plate.
Andrew said the work took almost three months to complete, following modifications that began three years ago. The design was inspired by guitars made by Zemaitis, whose instruments were played by musicians including Ronnie Wood, Donovan and George Harrison.
The one-off instrument has already attracted interest from musicians across the North East. Raffle entrants include Duncan Lloyd from Maximo Park, jazz singer Faye MacCalman, Nev Clay and luthier Terry Doherty.
Raffle sales have raised £3,000 so far for the Wildlife Trusts’ campaign. Northumberland Wildlife Trust and other Wildlife Trusts have raised £26.2m towards a £30m target to purchase the 3,800-hectare estate.
The plans include boosting wildlife, restoring bogs and supporting nature-friendly farming. Conservation groups have just over a month to raise the remaining £3.8m.
Why it matters for Britain
The fundraiser shows how local businesses and musicians can support a major conservation project. If the purchase goes ahead, the estate’s wildlife, peatland and nature-friendly farming plans would benefit Northumberland.
