Pressenda is one of the finest and most sought after violin makers of the nineteenth century. But what distinguishes his work from that of his contemporaries?

Violin history

Lord Harris: from luthier to lord and back again

Helen Wright

- 26 June 2023

The violin making world is full of fascinating characters: often researching a maker turns into an enormously detailed dive into social history! Charles Harris of Oxford stands out as one of the great examples of a maker whose life story wouldn’t be out of place in a historical novel.

Violin history

The Klotz Family of Mittenwald

Helen Wright

- 07 February 2023

The Klotz family of Mittenwald produced stunning instruments equal to many of the Italian violins being made at the same time. Find out more about these often under-rated instruments.

Violin history, Violin making

F Hole Models

Tim Wright

- 17 October 2022

String instruments are usually made according to a set of characteristics known as a model. A luthier might choose to use one of four primary models (Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, Amati or Stainer), to use a slightly more unusual model, or to strike out on their own using a personal model.

Violin history

Daniel Parker and his influence

Tim Wright

- 22 April 2021

For many aficionados of violins, the instruments of the early London maker Daniel Parker are like the holy grail: rare, precious and mysterious. To understand why, one must delve into who Parker was, where he lived, and those with whom he worked.

Violin history, Just In

Just In: Viola by Arthur Richardson

Tim Wright

- 16 February 2021

We are delighted to share with you a viola by a great English innovator, Arthur Richardson.

Violin history

Guest blog: Nicolo Paganini, by Alastair Macfarlane

Tim Wright

- 10 April 2020

I know Alastair from his visits to my shop, which are always extremely enjoyable. As well as being a competent and sensitive violinist and violist, he is a true academic - both infinitely interested and extremely knowledgeable about a broad range of musical and non musical subjects. Here is his monograph on Nicolo Paganini, which is entertaining and filled with nuggets that I didn’t know. Well worth taking the time to read!

Violin history

A Question of Origin

Tim Wright

- 28 December 2016

How does one determine the nationality of an instrument? Should it be the origin of the maker, the style/construction method, or where the instrument was actually made? Of course the question all too often is ‘can we call this Italian?’. In the case of this 1849 Charles Boullangier violin, however, the answer is somewhat complex...