Violas
Bohemian Small Viola, circa 1900
Recently sold
Probably by a member of the Prokop family, this is a late 19th century Czech viola made on a Maggini model. It’s in great condition apart form a few dents and scuffs to the varnish. A very handy size, it has a dark and fruity sound, slightly melancholic, very musical. More details
Rod Ward Viola, Cambridge 2005
£6,500
Rod Ward has been making great instruments for over 40 years now : http://www.wardviolins.com/. This lovely small viola is a typical example of his aesthetic – not antiqued but very faithful to the early Italian makers. Great sound and near mint condition … More details
James & John Simpson Viola, London circa 1780
£9,000
A very fine late 18th century small viola bearing the J&J Simpson label, with a full and rich viola sound. More details
John Wilkinson Viola, London circa 1930
£15,000
John Wilkinson was a highly talented English maker of the early 20th century, best known for the copies of classical instruments he made for J&A Beare. This viola is a lovely example of his copy style. More details
Frédéric Chaudière Viola, Montpellier 1990
£18,000
Frédéric Chaudière is one of the most respected of contemporary makers, and his name is known internationally. This is a lovely viola from his earlier period – it’s in good condition and the sound is terrific. More details
Paul Bailly Viola, Paris circa 1895
£26,500
Paul Bailly is the only maker from the Vuillaume shop who continued to work well into the 20th century, and his style is more individual and fluid than that of his co-workers like Maucotel, Derazey or Silvestre. This slightly undersized viola is a great example of his work in near-mint condition. More details
Small Viola probably by Francesco Maurizi , Appignano circa 1840
£35,000
Francesco Maurizi is a relatively obscure maker from the Marche region of central Italy. His violins are much admired for their quality of sound, though the construction can be quite hurried. This viola is a great example, with an unusually deep and noble sound for its size. More details
Gand & Bernardel Viola, Paris 1888
£45,000
Gand & Bernardel were the largest and most prestigious Parisian workshop of the late 19th century. To a great extent they took on the mantle of JB Vuillaume, adopting similar working practices, employing excellent makers and also producing beautiful bows. More details
Jean Baptiste Vuillaume Viola, Paris 1845
Price on application
JB Vuillaume can truly be said to have revolutionised the world of stringed instruments. No-one has had quite as much impact on violin-making since Stradivari. He rode a wave of demand, largely of his own creating, and produced thousands of instruments and bows of extremely high quality. In the process he trained up an entire generation of fine makers. More details
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