Violin by Williamson Blyth, Edinburgh, circa 1890

About Williamson Blyth

Williamson Blyth was born in Greenlaw, a town in the Scottish Borders, in 1827. He found work as a tinsmith in his early years, moving to Edinburgh by 1861. His records show Blyth to be quite a character: he stood trial in 1874, accused of the crime of 'reset', the Scots law term for theft or handling stolen goods!

By 1890, Blyth appears to have settled down to making in a more refined way, winning a diploma of honour at the Glasgow Trade Exhibition that year. The 1891 census is the first time that he gives his occupation as a violin maker: he was then living at 142 Pleasance in the Newington area of Edinburgh. The instruments from this period are a fascinating blend of personal style and earlier Edinburgh influences, finished in Blyth's exceptionally fine varnish.

About this violin

This violin was made in Edinburgh around 1890 and is built on a personal model.

The violin has a two piece back of quarter-sawn maple, the flame ascending from the centre joint. The ribs and scroll are of similar wood and the front is two pieces of straight-grained spruce. The varnish is a translucent amber in colour.

The violin has a length of back of 361 mm.

How does it sound?

This is a bright, cheerful violin with an exciting, trumpet-like tone! It would work brilliantly for playing for dancing and is great fun to play.

Condition

The violin is in very good condition.

More information

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