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Violin

This 4/4 size violin was made by William Forster Jr of London, the eldest son of William Forster of Brampton, Cumbria, who followed the family tradition as a stringed instrument maker. He was a music-seller to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cumberland, and was distinguished as "Royal Forster". His father had enjoyed similar court favours. This violin is dated 1804. It is made of maple, the back is a jointed one marked by a small curl, the sides are plain and the belly is made of pine. The neck and tailpiece are possibly made of ebony and the strings are stretched on the bridge and tuned by the four pegs on the pegbox. The violin has double purfling and it is varnished with a red-brown varnish. There is a label on the interior part of the back of the violin bearing 1804 William Forstser, Violin, Violoncello, Tenor and Bow maker Alfo Music Seller/ To their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cumberland. The violin is stored inside a wooden case with a lock and key, lined inside with dark grey/green velvet. The case has a label bearing W. E. Hill & Sons , Violin makers, London. This violin is part of a collection of three stringed musical instruments by the Forster of Carlisle and London, purchased by Miss S.H. Mounsey-Heysham from W.E. Hill & Sons , New Bond Street, London.

  • Date:
    1804
  • Maker:
    Forster, William II [Person]
  • Collection:
    Tullie House
  • Inventory number:
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  • Place of production:
    London (Timezone: Europe/London)
  • Culture:
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  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:
  • Repository:Tullie House