English Violin by George Craske, c1870

Description

Product reference : 2123000932565

4/4 English Violin by George Craske c.1870

An important English maker, George Craske first studied violin making in London with William Forster III before making instruments for Thomas Dodd and the Muzio Clementi firm in the early 19th century. Craske settled in Birmingham where he enjoyed a prolific career producing over 2,500 instruments across his lifetime. Despite his secluded lifestyle, Craske was still making instruments right up until the year of his death in 1888. His work was mostly modelled on the great Cremonese instruments by Stradivari, Guarneri and Amati. Upon his death, the Craske estate was left to his life-long friend George Compton who later sold the inventory to W. E. Hill & Sons. The Hill firm completed many of Craske’s unfinished instruments which are seen today as Craske-Hill hybrid instruments.

 

This violin bears no indication of being completed by W. E. Hill & Sons and can be described as an authentic Craske. It has a two-piece back and is in good, restored condition. The sound is very direct and focussed with good clarity and fantastic projection. This instrument demonstrates some of Craske’s better work and would suit the professional player.