Alan Coggins is a violin maker, writer and photographer whose interest in the craft began in Cambridge, England, in 1993. Since that time he has been working full-time as a maker and repairer and is best known for his violas. He has also written on many varied aspects of violin making and has been a regular contributor to The Strad magazine since 2003.

For many years Alan collected information about Australian violin makers and the culmination of this research work was finally published in 2009. His book, Violin and Bow Makers of Australia, represents the definitive listing of Australian stringed instrument makers, from the early 1800s through to the present day and includes biographical entries for over 500 makers.

Instrument photographs by Alan were featured extensively in his book, with over 280 studio photographs detailing the work of many of the most prominent Australian makers. His instrument images have also appeared in The Strad magazine, on various websites and were featured in the 2010 AVMA calendar.

Photograph by Paul Burrows