Images of the makers and their labels are gradually being added - look for the
and the Label links.
Numbers in brackets, thus: (5) , indicate the source of the information - references are listed in the key.
Images of the makers and their labels are gradually being added - look for the and the Label links.
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ADAMS, Lloyd George (1910 - 1970) Violin maker and repairer. Apprenticed to A.E. Smith in the 1920's. Moved to WA in Dec 1929. Later returned to Sydney and listed at 84 Hunter St, Sydney in 1935, 195 Elizabeth St, Sydney in 1940 and at 154 Castlereagh St, Sydney from 1948 to 1957. Moved to the US in 1957 to work in Minneapolis for Chester Groth, then independently in Boston, c.1965. Exhibited a violin and bow in Wurlitzer's Loan Exhibition, New York, 1966. Returned to Adelaide in 1970 but died before he could establish a workshop. (5) Label: [ Lloyd Adams | Sydney 1926 ]
AGAR, Paul Ross (b.1954) Amateur maker, assisted by Alex Grant (1999 - 2001). To 2002 had made 6 violins. (1) +61 (0) 3 9437 1986
AIRTH, William Burns (1828 - 1904) Worked at Edinburgh (1860 - 1881). Pupil of James Hardie and married his daughter in 1852. Came to Australia in 1883, first to Melbourne then Sydney. It is not known whether he produced instruments in Australia. (5)
AKERMAN, John (b.1937) Retired architect, self-taught maker always using Tasmanian timbers. Began making in 1984. To 2002 had made 35 violins, 15 violas, 3 cellos, a gamba and about 25 bows. Labelled with name, Hobart and year. (1)
ALLAN, Thomas (1875 - 1941) Coal miner born in UK. Learned violin making from his father and grandfather. Made violins for his ten children in England, then migrated to Australia in 1927. Continued violin making in Hurstville, Australia. Label: Thomas Allan, Hurstville, 1929. (1)
ALSAKER, Charles Svend (? - 1953) Amateur maker, NSW. Label: [ MADE BY | C. ALSAKER | N.S.W 1928 ] (5)
AMENT, R. Ian - Violin maker, Anula, NT. (2)
ANDERBERG, Janne (b.1944) Amateur maker, Glenbrook, NSW. Assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin and 1 cello. (5)
ANDERSON, John 
(1882 - 1973) Came to Australia in 1912, and made his first instrument in 1917. Made 43 violins, the last in 1960. Friendly with Dow and Hume, he used wood obtained from Dow and also some Australian timber. (2) Label: [ Hand made violin | by J. Anderson No.11 | Melbourne Vic 1938 ] (7) or [ John Anderson | Fecit Melbourne 1960 | No.43 ] (5) PHM H8583 (Melbourne 1957)
APLIN, Thomas Wolsley (b.1917) Amateur maker, Chiswick, NSW. Assisted by Harry Vatiliotis. Began making in the 1960's and to 2003 had made around 25 violins as well as violas, cellos, double basses and mandolins. Labelled with name, place and year. (1)
ARMSTRONG, Phillip - Labelled Perth, WA, 1975. (7)
ARMSTRONG, T. - Worked in Adelaide, then Melbourne in 1920's. (7)
Label: [T. Armstrong | Maker | Adelaide SA | Melbourne 1926 ] Double border
in brown ink. (10)
ARCARO, Roberto Antonio (b.1972) Began making violins with Paul Davies. Studied at NSVM for a few years from 1966 but left to take up a position at Cremona House in Bristol. Subsequently worked with Roger Hansell before returning to Australia. Now working in Vic and makes around 3 instruments a year. Label: [ Roberto Antonio Arcaro | Anno 2005 ] (1)
ARTER, Richard Harry B. (1900 - 1976) Self-taught maker, South Caulfield, Vic. Produced at least 41 violins between 1966 and 1975 using European timbers. (2) Label: [ No.34 Richard H. B. Arter | Melbourne 1973 ] (7)
ASSAI, Akiji - Japanese violin maker working in Qld (?)
AUCHTERLONIE, William 
(1879 - 1965) Amateur maker, self-taught, Balgownie, NSW. Came to Australia in 1902.
First violin made in 1921 for his daughter. Made 53 violins and 12 bows, the last in 1954.
(2) Label: [ Wm Auchterlonie | Balgownie South Coast | NSWales No39/1945 ]
(5) PHM H9178 (Balgownie 1924)
AUSTERNIN, Robin - Amateur maker, Lawson, NSW. Assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 viola. (5)
AUSTIN, F. C. - Violin, Sydney, 1918. (2)
BACH, Herbert Emanuel (1865 - ?) Worked at 33 Alexandra St, South Yarra, Melbourne. Exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. Possibly only sold imported instruments. (17)
BALOGH, A. Gabor - Studied at Hungarian School of Violin Making, 1976 - 1980. Worked in Vienna with Istvan Hathazi (Schonbrunner), Ottmar Lang (Musikverein) and Zoltan Kodaj (Petersdorf). Awarded Master Violin Maker and Restorer Diploma, 1995. Migrated to Australia in 1989 and worked initially in Melbourne, before establishing a workshop in Sydney in 1994. (1) +61 (0) 2 9904 0260 , http://sydney.citysearch.com.au/E/V/SYDNE/0018/62/87/
BANNISTER, Eli (and Sons) (1862? - 1929) Migrated to Sydney in 1884. Sons were Eli (1893 - ?), Claude W. (1895 - ?) and Harold (1897 - ?). (5) Worked at 246a Elizabeth St, Sydney from 1922 to 1929 then at 841 George St from 1930 to 1931. (9) Also worked at 501A George St. Imported and repaired violins, not known if they also made instruments. (2)
BARBER, S. J. - Maker of violins, guitars and mandolins, Hornsby, NSW. To 1993 had made 12 violins using both European and local timbers. (2)
BATCHELOR, Arthur John Label: [ Arthur Batchelor | His fiddle No.1 October 1981 ] also signed. (7)
BAWDEN, Lambert Ferris (1824 - 1920) Amateur maker, Yorketown, SA. Made his first instrument (db) at age 72, eventually producing a further 40 violins, several violas and 6 cellos. Used various timbers, including Australian and American. (12)
BEADLE, Eldred (1863 - 1949) Arrived in Melbourne in 1889. Made about 30 violins, several violas and two cellos between 1899 and 1925. (4) Worked in East Kew and made about 50 instruments. (2) Label: Eldred Beadle 1939 | 100 Sackville Street, Kew (5)
BEAMES, John -
BEARDSMORE, Adele Ruby Lisa (b.1966) Dip.NSVM (1987). Worked for Contrada Musica, Amersfoort, The Netherlands (1989 - 1991). Instruments made in Wadebridge (1987 - 1989), Amersfoort (1989 - 1991), Cambridge (1991 - 1993), Wentworth Falls (1994 - 1996) and Blackheath (from 1997). Label: [ Adèle Beardsmore | Blackheath 2002 ] (1) +61 (0) 2 4787 6369 , www.abcviolins.com
BECKER, Herbert Edward (1880? - 1929) Amateur violin maker, Carlton, Melbourne, working in the 1920's. Label: H. E. Becker | Maker | North Carlton (4)
BEILHARZ, Rainer (b.1964) Journeyman cert. Markneukirchen (1993), Master cert. with distinction Germany (1997). Began with John Ferwerda in 1982, worked in Germany 1989 - 1997, self-employed in Australia from 1997. Instruments made in Melbourne (1984 - 1989), Laufen a.d. Salzach (1989 - 1991), Stuttgart (1992 - 1997) and Guildford (from 1998). To 2002 had made 54 instruments and 6 bows. (1) www.rainerbeilharzviolins.com.au
BEILHARZ, Volker - Began making in the mid 1980's. Trained with David Sayers (1989 - 1991) and eventually purchased his business. Worked initially in Hawthorn and then at Lower Templestowe in Melbourne. (1) Label: [ VOLKER BEILHARZ | MELBOURNE 1996 ] with Deo Soli Gloria around circle and V B 9 6 inside circle. www.volkerbeilharzviolins.com.au
BELANYI, Laszlo (Les) (b.1935) Violin maker and repairer, Blakehurst, NSW. Hungarian who learned violin playing in Germany and came to Australia in 1950. Worked as violin repairer for Landis Music, Park St, Sydney in early 1970's. To 2004 had made 129 violins, 14 violas, and 2 cellos. Uses traditional, Canadian and Australian timbers. (1)
BELL, David Stuart (b.1930) Mostly self-taught maker, Beaumont, SA. Some asssistance from Rex Thompson, and used Thompson's varnish on some instruments. Has made 3 violins and 2 violas, the first in 1972. Label: [ David S. Bell | Beaumont SA 19 95 ]. (1)
BELL, E. W. - Made at least 5 instruments. Label: [ E.W. Bell | Adelaide, South Australia | 1933 No.5 ] (5) PHM H9098 (Adelaide 1933)
BELL, Ronald Henry (b.1930) A retired school teacher in Mitcham, Vic who began making instruments in 1993, initially with advice from David Brown at Montsalvat. Later learned from Roger Buckmaster over a period of ten years. To 2006 Bell had made 5 violins and 4 violas. Made 1 violin and 1 viola using Australian timbers, the rest made with European wood. Handwritten labels with full name and the location and year. Also each instrument is named individually. (1)
BELL, William - Made violins from 1925 to 1950. Label: William Bell, made in Sydney and date; or William Bell, made in Armidale. (15)
BERTWISTLE, Frederich Walter (1961 - ) Mosman, 1948 (7)
BERWICK, Leonard George Violin maker, Upwey, Vic. (2) Label: [ Leonard G. Berwick | Irthlinbough | 1952 No.7 ] (7)
BIRRELL, Thomas (1845? - 1919) Amateur maker, worked near Ivanhoe, Vic. (2)
BOLLIGER, Matthew Charles - Dip. Swiss School of Violin Making. (20) Also attended restoration course at Oberlin, Ohio and double bass making workshop in Quebec, Canada. Worked as a violin repairer in Basel. Made first violin at age of 17, assisted by Harry Vatiliotis. (5) www.violinsbythesea.com.au
BOULTON, Leslie Cecil (1888 - 1971) Amateur maker who made at least 1 violin and some bows. (15) PHM H9182 (bow)
BORZAK, Miklos - Made a violin from Australian wood, c.1958, Hobart, Tas. (21)
BRANFORD, Wilfred Ernest (? - 1998) Tumby Bay, S.A. (7)
BRIDGES, Samuel A. (1842 - 1920) Worked at 325 Elizabeth St, Sydney (1904 - 1905) then at 439 Elizabeth St (1906 - 1920). (9) Possibly only assembled and adjusted imported violins. (2) Label: [ SABRIDGES | SYDNEY | 1907 ] stamped on violin back near endpin.
BRIDGLAND, Geoffrey - Maker of Hardanger fiddles in SA. (2)
BRIMS, James Alexander (1874 - 1946) Amateur maker in Queensland. Label: [ J. A. Brims | Queensland | 18/3/1934 ] written on wood. (5)
BROWN, Anthony - Worked in London 1850 - 1875, pupil of John Morrison and also worked with John Panormo. Came to Australia in 1875. Made a large number of guitars and also made violins in England and Adelaide. (15)
BROWN, David S. (b.1947) Studied with Warren Fordham for 5 years at Montsalvat, Eltham, Vic and then took over his studio there. Uses both Australian and European timbers. (1) www.craftvic.asn.au/instrumental/dbrown.htm
BROWN, G. E. - Amateur maker, Rouse Hill, NSW. Made about 50 instruments. (2)
BROWN, Jennifer - Violin maker (?), Cobargo, NSW. (11)
BROWN, John [1] - Won prizes at Melbourne Exhibition, 1880. (4)
BROWN, John [2] - Son of John Brown [1], chief repairer at Collin's Music Warehouse, 1924. (4)
BROWN, Richard Thomas (1918? - 1997) Maker of violins, violas and cellos in WA. (2)
BROWN, Simon Morris - Dip.IPIALL (1991)
BROWN, W. G. (1861 - 1929) Violin maker, Sandhurst, Vic. (2)
BROWN, Walter James 
(1822? - 1899) Violin maker born in London, his father and grandfather were also violin makers, both named James Brown. Initially worked in Sydney until 1859. Later moved to Melbourne and worked at 56 then 227 Little Collins St, East Melbourne, Vic. Exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. (5)
BROWNHILL, John - Amateur maker, Camden, NSW. (2)
BUCK, Richard John (1871 - 1958) Initially learned from George Pyne (London) and worked in his workshop for ten years (1890 - 1900). Migrated to Melbourne in 1906 and resumed violin making in 1920, producing 12 instruments over the subsequent five years. Label: (written on wood or paper) [ R. J. Buck, Maker | 477 Drummond Street | Carlton, Melbourne, 1924 ] (4) and [ R. J. Buck Maker | Melbourne, Australia 1939 ] (15)
BUCKMASTER, Roger Owen (b.1944) Initially learned from Collin Kerr and William Dolphin (Melbourne). Later studied at Loughborough University (UK) and with Wilfred Saunders (1982), also at J & A Beare (London) and with Lambert Hornet (Scotland). Worked 6 years for Maton and 3 years for Davis Music House in Melbourne. Formed R.O. & B. Buckmaster Pty Ltd in 1975 and has worked from Balwyn, Vic since 1995. (1) PHM 96/17/1 (Vic, 1971) +61 (0) 3 9817 6644
BULITZ, Henry (1887? - 1952) Violin inscribed with makers name, Mary St, Rosalie, Brisbane, 1929. (2)
BULL, David George (1880 - 1946) - Violin maker, Melbourne, 1910. (2)
BURGESS, Phillip (b.1929) Apprenticed to A.E. Smith in 1944 and completed his first violin in 1945. Appointed workshop manager in 1952. Left in 1954 to set up as a violin maker and repairer in the Royal Arcade, Sydney. After a fire he returned as workshop manager for Smith in 1959. Label: [ Phillip Burgess | Sydney 1961 ] (15)
BUSSEY, Roy Edward - Amateur maker, 1960's. Made only two violins with wood he obtained from Smiths. Hand written label with name and date. (6)
BUTTERWORTH, Sidney - Violin maker, Windeyer, NSW. Studied with Jim Robinson. To 1996 had made 5 violins. (2)
CALDERSMITH, Graham W. (b.1943) Violin maker and repairer, initially in Canberra and then moved to Kendall, NSW. Prominent researcher into violin and guitar acoustics with has published many articles on the subject. To 2007 had made 102 violins, 52 violas and 36 cellos. Now focussing on instruments made from Australian woods. PHM 96/381 (Canberra, 1977 - 1980)
CAMPBELL, Brian (b.1937) Amateur maker, Drummoyne, NSW. Began making in the late 1970's, assisted by Harry Vatiliotis. To 2004 had made 7 violins and 7 violas. Label: Brian Campbell, Sydney and year (written on wood) (1)
CAMPBELL, Wilfred - Maker in Burnie, Tasmania (?)
CANSDELL, Ian - Amateur maker, Wallacia, NSW. (2)
CARTER, J. - Label: [ made by J Carter | St. Kilda Vict | Sept 1925 ] (7)
CHADBAN, Bruce - Amateur maker, produced one violin. (5)
CHAINIE, F - Worked at 502 Darling St, Balmain/Rozelle (1902 - 1918). (9) Label: [ F. CHAINIE ] branded into wood inside back. (5). PHM D6453 (Balmain c.1898)
CHAPMAN, Gabriel Micah (b.1968) Worked initially at the Fiddle Factory, Sydney where he trained with David Glanville for 1 - 2 years, then worked as manager there for 6 years. Other input from overseas makers such as Rudolpho Marchini, Rome. To 2003 had made 2 violins, and is currently self-employed mainly doing repairs. (1)
CHAPMAN, Ken - Amateur maker from Cooranbong, NSW. Taught by John Young. (2)
CHARLES, J. - Label: [ J. Charles | Collingwood 1894 ] (7)
CHESSELL, Murray G. - Amateur maker and repairer in East Malvern, Vic. (2)
CHRISTIE, Gillian - Violin teacher and maker in Sydney. Studied with Jim Robinson. Made some full size and a number of half and three-quarter size instruments. (2)
CLARK, Julian (b.1937) Maker of bows for early stringed instruments. Began bow making in the early 1970's, encouraged by David Rubio and with support of Percy Bryant and Arthur Bultitude. Worked for J & A Beare, London as their sole early bow maker for over 10 years. (1)
CLARKE, Cedric (1929 - 2000) Son of Charles Clarke. Worked for A.E Smith & Co. for two and a half years (1944 - 1947), then left to work for Lloyd Adams at 154 Castlereagh St, Sydney. Learned bow making from Adams and worked with him for around 3 years. Moved from Castlereagh St. to work from his home in St. Ives in 1970. (5)
CLARKE, Charles Henry Spridgeons (1882 - 1965) Emigrated to WA in 1909 and moved to the eastern states in 1914. Began work at A.E. Smith in 1916. Made a little over 100 instruments plus some bows (pernumbuco and Australian timber). (15) Established his own shop in Turramurra, NSW in 1948. (3) Label: [ CHARLES H. S. CLARKE | Sydney, C.H.S.C. 1949 ] (5) PHM H8576 (Sydney 1949) B2028 (bow)
CLARKE, Ian (b.1948) Dip.NSVM
COGGINS, Alan John (b.1954) Studied violin making with Adèle Beardsmore and worked in partnership with her from 1994. Instruments made in Cambridge (1993), Wentworth Falls (1994 - 1996) and Blackheath (from 1996). Label: [ Alan Coggins | Blackheath 2002 ] (1) +61 (0) 2 4787 6369 , www.abcviolins.com
COLE, Christopher Robert (b.1953) Amateur maker, Katoomba, NSW. Assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin. (5)
COLE, Creagh McLean (b.1954) Amateur maker, Sydney. Assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin. (5)
COLEMAN, Stephen Ronald (b.1958) Amateur maker, Blaxland, NSW. Assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 baroque violin. (5)
COLLINS, Robert E. - Violin maker, Gympie, Qld. (2)
COLLINS, William Robertson (b.1924) Maker and repairer, Rostrevor, SA. Influenced by William Dolphin and Kevin Williams. Began making in 1958 and to 2003 had made about 12 violins, 12 violas, 1 cello and 1 double bass. Label: [ W. ROBERTSON COLLINS | Maker | ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 19__ | No.__ ] (1)
COLLIVER, Cecil - Amateur violin maker, Punchbowl, NSW. (2)
COOK, Gary Terence Glenville (b.1958) Amateur maker, self-taught in England. Began making using traditional woods. Moved to Australia (Adelaide) in 1988 and continued making with alternate timbers, especially Australian, in 1997. Label: [ Handmade by | GTGC | Gary T G Cook | 2004 ] (1) +61 (0) 8 8373 6434 , www.gcookviolins.com
COOKE, Kerry Michael (b.1947) Studied with Norman Miller. Now working independently in Toowoomba, Qld. (1) users.tpg.com.au/doxe/
COONEY, Mark (b.1958) Amateur maker, Wamberal NSW. Made 3 double basses. (5)
COPE & ROBERTS - Worked at 37 Bell St, Fitzroy, Melbourne. Exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. (17) Violin label: [ Cope + Roberts | Fitzroy Melbourne | Anno 1870 ] (5)
COPE, David 
(1848 - 1934) Father of David William Somerville Cope and probably the Cope of "Cope & Roberts". Musician and violin maker. Musician, violinist, composer and violin maker. (1)
COPE, David Horace (1896 - 1970) Violin maker and repairer, pianist, organist and violinist in Melbourne. Learned violin making from his grandfather, David Cope. (1) Label: [ David Horace Cope | Maker and Repairer | Melbourne 1. ] (7)
COPE, David William Somerville (1871 - ?) Father of David Horace Cope. A very talented musician but not thought to have been involved in violin making (1)
CORRELL, Richard (? - 1932) Made first violin at age of 14. Worked in Adelaide (1888 - 1932), initially as a violin maker and repairer, later also importer of various instruments. (5)
CORIZZO, Guiseppe (b.1940) Studied in Rome (1962 - 1965) before moving to Australia in 1965. Began making in 1970 and to 2003 had made over 100 instruments (vn, va, vc, db, bows, guitars, mandolins). Label: Legno Che Canta, Hand made by Guiseppe Corizzo, Melbourne Victoria, number and year. (1) +61 (0) 418 569 249 , www.corizzoinstrumentale.com
COULT, S. - 1895 (7)
COX, Richard Ashton (b.1966) Learned initially with Dante Roccisano in Adelaide. Worked as a repairer for Brenton Fyfield, Violineri and later Alex Grant in Melbourne. Made first violin in 2000 and to 2004 had made about 6 instruments. Label: [ Richard Cox | Melbourne 2000 ] with double line border.
CRAGG, Ronald David - Apprenticed to A.E. Smith in 1943 and worked there until 1956. Made 3 violins but was primarily involved in repair work and sales. Joined SSO in 1957 and played with them until 1982, then started his own business, The Violinery, in Sydney. (1)
CROCKER, William M. - Violin maker, Violet Town, Vic. (2)
CROOK, Robert William (1838- 1897) Violin maker and repairer in Paddington, Sydney, 1890. (2) Awarded prize at the Sydney Exhibition, 1879 for a contra bass. (18)
CUMBERTON, Paul - Thomastown, Melbourne, Vic. Made 13 violins, 2 violas and 1 cello to 1996 (7)
CZECH, Antoni - Violin maker, Mt. Waverley, Vic. Studied with Josef Swirek and Jozef Bartoszek in Poland, Rod Ward and Brian Parkinson in England. Also learned bowmaking from John Clutterbuck and H. Dolling. (5) Label: [ Antoni Czech | Melbourne 1979 ] also signed. (7)
DALY, Simon (b.1963) Violin maker and repairer based in ACT. Began making in 1995 and has made 3 vns and 2 guitars. Early influence from Graham Caldersmith, and later Alex Grant. Attended BVMA restoration course in 2006. (1)
DAVIES, Paul Llewellyn - www.artsmusic.com.au
DAVIS, Edward J. - Amateur violin maker, Merrylands, NSW. (2)
DAVIS, Jasmine (b. 1967) Amateur maker from Central Coast NSW. Mainly self-taught with some input from internet forums and also David Glanville (who supplied plans and tonewood). Completed one cello in 2007. (1) Label: [ Cello by Jasmine Davis. | Gosford, Australia 2007 | J Davis | "Roxelle" Inspired by 1739 Montagnana ]
DAVIS, John E. (b.1937) Amateur maker, self-taught. Made 1 violin and numerous guitars. (1) Label: [ JOHN E. DAVIS, VIOLIN MAKER | LEURA. N.S.W. NOV. 2001 ] also signed on label. (5)
DAWSON, Joseph J. - Violin maker, Cessnock, NSW, 1927. (2)
DAY, Rodney K. - Amateur violin maker, Wahroonga, Sydney. (2)
DE CLOSAY, Ernest Tiger (? - 1936) Sydney maker. Violin and viola, both dated 1917. Made from Australian timbers. (2)
DE JONG, Mathijs - Dutch maker who worked in Perth before returning to the Netherlands. Label: [ Mathijs de Jong Viola No.28 | Made in Perth Anno 1990 ] (10)
DEARLOVE, George Walter 
(1883 - ?) Son of Walter George Dearlove, worked as a violin maker in Brisbane, early 1900's to 1933. (5)
DEARLOVE, Walter George (1852 - 1916) Born in England and migrated to Australia in 1890. Probably associated with the Dearlove family of makers in Leeds. Worked in Brisbane as a maker and repairer from early 1900's. (5)
DEVEREUX, John 
(1810 - 1883)
One of Australia's earliest known violin makers. Worked at the London workshop of Bernhard Simon
Fendt before migrating to Melbourne c.1854. Exhibited a db, a bass viol and 2 violins made from 'colonial wood' and a vn from English wood in the 1861 Victorian Exhibition. (5) Label:
[ J. Devereux | Violin and Double Bass Maker | Marion St. Fitzroy 1867 ] (4)
and [ J. Devereux | Marion St. Fitzroy Melbourne Victoria | Violin and Double Bass Maker | to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh ] (7) PHM H9177 (Melbourne 1869) H8581 (Melbourne 1871) more
DITTERICH, Robert John Richard (b.1952) Began making in 1993 and worked as a maker and repairer in Newtown from mid 1990's. To 2004 had made over 25 instruments (vn, va, vc) from both Australian and imported woods. Label: [ R v Ditterich | violin maker | Geelong 1999 ] with back signed in pen near label. (2) homepage.mac.com/ditterichviolins/PhotoAlbum1.html
DIVER, Thomas James (1891 - 1957) Made violins in the 1930s - 1940s in the Cessnock area. (1)
DOITSCHINOV, Vladimir (? - 1994) Violin maker in ACT. Trained with Georg Beerwanger, Beilefeld, West Germany. (2)
DODS, William Whinfield (1872 - 1933) Amateur maker in Melbourne, c.1915 - 1930. Friend of William Dow who gave him some assistance. Made about 15 violins and 3 violas. Label has the outline of a violin, with name and date on the tail piece. (15)
DOLPHIN, Ian - Dip.NSVM. Grandson of William Dolphin. (2)
DOLPHIN, William Edward (1903 - 1981) Migrated to Australia in 1912. (3) One of A.E. Smith's first apprentices, he began at age 14 and made his first violin at 15. Moved to Melbourne in 1928 to open his own workshop. Worked for over 40 years at 363 Bourke St, Melbourne before moving to Wiseman St, Hawthorn, Vic. (5) Label: [ Made by William E. Dolphin | Pupil of A.E. Smith | Sydney 1921 ] (7) or [ William E Dolphin | Melbourne Anno 19__ ] with WD & fish logo or [ WILLIAM E DOLPHIN | Melbourne Anno 19__ ] (5) PHM 94/195/1 (Sydney 1922)
DOUGLAS, Craig - Amateur double bass maker, Guildford, NSW. (2)
DOW, William Henry (1835 - 1928) Arrived in Melbourne in 1854. He was considered the best and most prolific maker in that city, producing about 250 violins, violas and cellos and winning many awards. (3) Worked at 11 Church St, South Melbourne and exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. (17) Label: [ PRIZE MEDALS at MELB EXHIBS | Wm. H. DOW | S. MELBOURNE | Faciebat Anno 1903 ] with INTERCOL | 1875 | initials in a circle on left of label and INTERNAT | 1880-1881 | No.78 in circle on right. (5) PHM H8572 (Melbourne 1903)
DRUMMOND, W. J. - Possibly Melbourne, name stamped on inside of back. Used Australian woods. (10)
DUDMAN, Phillip - Amateur violin maker, Engadine, NSW. (2)
DUNN, Robert - Amateur violin maker, Willoughby, NSW. Assisted by Harry Vatiliotis. (2)
DWYER, Sally - Amateur maker, Vic. Made one violin under guidance of Roger Buckmaster. (10)
EATON, Douglas Raymond - Began making in 1970. Attended courses with Ian Clarke (violin making) and Lennox Holt (bow making). (5)
EATON, Douglas N. - Maker and repairer at Stanley River Music, Maleny, Qld. (5) mywebsite.bigpond.com/doug.eaton
EDWARD, J. (1891 - ?) (2)
EDWARDS - Amateur violin maker in the 1940's, Parramatta? (2)
ELLENDER, James E. (b.1949) Bow maker (vn, va, vc, db) working in Sydney. Studied with George Rubino, USA (1992 - 1993). Began making in 1993 and has produced 230 bows to 2002, all pernumbuco with ebony/silver or ebony/gold. Had his own workshop in Croydon, Sydney until 2006 when he joined A R Irwin Violins in Edgecliff as their bow maker and repairer. (1)
ELLIOT, Alexander Vaughan (b.1940) Amateur maker, Geraldton WA, experimenting with aluminium and magnesium bodied instruments. To 2007 had completed a 5 string violin/viola, a standard violin and a cornerless 'Chanot' style violin in aluminium, as well as a standard violin in magnesium, all with recessed head screw joined bodies; followed by an aluminium and a magnesium standard violin, both with screwless bonded bodies. (1) myweb.westnet.com.au/ellio/
ELLIOT, Roland Oliver (1899 - 1973) Made 2 violins and 2 violas with assistance of A.E. Smith. (2)
ELLIS, Jeffrey (b.1947) Studied with William Salchow in New York in 1989. Awarded 5 certificates of merit from the VSA and a silver medal at the Mittenwald Violin and Bow Making Competition (1993). www.ozbow.com
ELLIS, Joe - Violin labelled Joe Ellis, 1904, Australia (also possibly Brogues, Br...dale England). (2)
EPOCH - Australian company making a range of innovative acoustic violins, intended as robust student instruments at a reasonable price. Available in a variety of colours. (1) www.epochstrings.com.au
FAIRWEATHER, Donald Frederick (b.1921) Amateur maker, mostly self-taught using books by Harry Wake. Began making in 1983 and to 2004 had made 15 instruments including violas and 2 cellos. Labelled with instrument number, Don Fairweather, Melbourne and date (handwritten). (1)
FALSON, Lindsay - Amateur maker, assisted by Harry Vatiliotis. Made 3 violins. (2)
FARRELL, William James (1870 - 1926) Came to Australia in 1920, first to Brisbane
then Concord, NSW in 1923. First "true-tone" violin made in London in
1916, later favoured Australian timbers. Author of "The True-Tone
Violin". (4) Began making in 1914 and made around 100 instruments including
2 cellos and at least 1 viola. Operated shops at 110 Burwood St, Burwood and Frederick St,
Marrickville. (2) Label: [ WILLIAM JAMES FARRELL | 151 xxxxxxx London
| Quod petis hic est | SYDNEY 1922] (5) PHM L289 (Sydney c.1921)
FARROW, Bernie - Amateur violin maker, Bridgewater, SA. (2)
FAZACKERLEY, Thomas (1865 - 1932) Tasmanian maker who made his first violin in 1905 from imported timber. Made at least 7 more violins, mostly from Australian wood. (21)
FEDJE, John - Bow maker, Vic. (11)
FERWERDA, John D. (b.1942) Dip.MSVM (1973). Set up business in Melbourne in 1978. PHM 99/77/1 (Mittenwald, Germany, 1972) www.violin-world.com
FIEBIG, Friedrich August (1833 - 1908) Amateur maker in SA. Label: [ August Fiebig, Adelaide, S.A. | Made expressly for Miss E. Mumme | A. Fiebig 1891 ] (5)
FINLAY, Douglas I. (b.1958) Dip.NSVM (1987). Researched the use of Australian timbers for musical instruments, University of Tasmania (1981 - 1983). Worked in Adelaide (1988 - 1993), 'Marchington' Launceston (1993 - 1998) and Hobart (from 1998). Also extensively researched varnish and acoustics (1993 - 2003). To 2003 had made about 35 violins, 6 violas and 1 cello. (1)
FISCHER, Craig - Violin maker and repairer, Forestville, SA. (2)
FORMBY - Violin labelled Formby, Tasmania, 1883 (or 1886), written directly onto the wood. (2) Possibly refers to a region in NW Tasmania. (5)
FOX, Brian - Amateur viol maker. (2)
FURLONG, James - Ballarat, Vic, early 1900's. (15)
GAGLIARDI, F. - Violin maker and repairer, Lygon St. Carlton, Vic. (15)
GARBETT, Peter - Amateur violin maker, Otford, NSW. (2)
GASON, Albert Ernest (1906 - 1971) Label: [ A.E. Gason | Caulfield | Victoria | Australia | 1925 ] (7)
GAUCI, Anthony - Amateur maker, made one violin from European timbers. Label: This violin 'The Contessa' is the only one of its kind, it has been handmade for Stefanie Gauci on the occassion of her 12th Birthday by her father Anthony Gauci. (5)
GEE, Timothy - Amateur violin maker, Epping, NSW. Taught by Harry Vatiliotis. (2)
GEISLER, Francis William (1872 - 1957) Worked in Bendigo and made violins from various Australian timbers. (8) Label: [ Francis W. Geisler | Bendigo Victoria | Australia 1933 | No.54 ] (7)
GILMORE, Richard Barnsley (1839 - 1884) Musician, violin and bagpipe maker in Melbourne in the 1870's and 1880's. Learned violin making from John Devereux. Worked in Footscray in 1875 and Carlton in 1881. Exhibited bagpipes in the 1875 Inter Colonial Exhibition Melbourne. (5) Label: [ made by | Richard Gilmore | 21 Cardigan St Carlton | Melbourne | Pupil of John Devereux violin maker to | H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh ] (7)
GLANVILLE, David Edward (b.1957) Learned mainly from Harry Vatiliotis but also influenced by Cedric Clarke and Phillip Burgess. First instrument made 1981 and to 2004 had made 6 violins and 1 viola. No label (though Sydney and date are written on underside of belly). Formed Sydney String Centre in 1991 operating first at Naremburn (1991) then Castlecrag (1992 - 1996), Artarmon (1996 - 2001) and Willoughby (2001 - present). (1) www.violins.com.au
GLANVILLE, Elizabeth Jane (b.1987) Daughter of David Glanville. Made 1 cello. (5)
GORDON, Eric Barclay - Largely self-taught, made a number of violins. (2) Label: [ Eric Barclay Gordon | Bexley | 1933 ] written on wood. (5) PHM H8584 (Bexley 1933)
GOUGH, Betty - Amateur violin maker, Henley, NSW. Made several violins, assisted by Harry Vatiliotis. (2)
GOUGH, Paul - Amateur violin maker, Henley, NSW. Assisted by Harry Vatiliotis. (2)
GOYNE-STEVENS, Richard Mathew (1899 - 1989) Amateur maker, Sydney. Made 4 violins. (2)
GRAHAM, Benjamin (1887 - 1982) Self-taught amateur maker working at Hartwell, Vic. Started making in 1906 and to 1977 had made about 40 violins and violas. (1) Label: [ Benjamin Graham | Hartwell, 19__ No.__ ] or [ Benjamin Graham | VIOLIN MAKER | Hartwell Australia | No.21 1964 (signed) ] (5)
GRAHAM, Henry - "Echolin" violin, round body with central cavity decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay. Label: Made by Henry Graham | Violin Maker and Repairer | 80 Stanley St Sydney 1878 (3) PHM H8688 (Sydney 1878)
GRAHAM, W. J. - Maker in Melbourne around 1890. Label: W. J. Graham, Footscray 22/6/90 (15)
GRANT, Alexander William (b.1953) Dip.WSVM (1991) Initial guidance from Malcolm Collins (NZ). Worked at Capital Music, Wellington (1981 - 1985), self-employed (1985 - 1988), sole restorer for Classic Violins, Tonbridge (1991 - 1992), head of restoration at Sandra Wagstaff Violins, Hong Kong (1992 - 1996), Opened Alex W Grant Violins, Melbourne in 1996. Instruments made in Penshurst, Kent (c.1992) and Melbourne (from 1996). (1) +61 (0) 3 9417 4930 , www.grantviolins.com.au
GRAWERT, Helge -
GRAWERT, Ilja - German Diploma of Violinmaking, 1986. Began his apprenticeship at 18 at Geigenbau Machold, Bremen, Germany (1982 - 1986). Started his own business in Germany before migrating to Brisbane in 1994. (1) www.grawert.com.au
GRAWERT, Olaf - Learned violin making from his father Helge Grawert. Further training at Geigenbau Machold in Germany (1990). (1) www.violinstudio.com
GRAY, R. F. - Label inside violin from c.1900: R.F. Gray Violin Maker and Repairer | Cremona and Lilly St Bendigo. (5)
GREEN, Alfred Osborn (1851 - 1942) Made at least 2 violins at Fern Tree near Hobart, Tas. Label: [ Alfred Osborn Green | Tasmania | October 1890 ] (21)
GREENING, Frederick James (1920 - ) Amateur violin maker, self-taught. Made 7 violins using Australian timbers. (2)
GRIEG, David - Taught violin making by his father, thought to have made 30 - 40 violins, Goulburn, NSW. (2)
GRIEVE, Alexander John - Violin maker and repairer, Balwyn, Vic. Trained with Alexander Bros. in Mainz, Germany. (2)
GRIFFIN, Guy Aubrey (1878 - 1967) Came to Australia in 1907 and made his first violin in 1915 with advice and assistance from A.E. Smith. He was eventually given repair work to do by Smith, who considered him one of the best violin makers in Australia. Made 173 violins, 5 violas and 1 cello, all sold through A.E. Smith & Co. Made his last instrument in 1955. (15) Label: [ G. A. Griffin | Sydney 1920 ] (7) and [ Guy Aubrey Griffin | Made in Sydney 1936 ] (5) PHM H8579 (Sydney 1936)
GROVER, H. B. - Worked at 36 Grafton St, Melbourne, 1860's. Exhibited "violins, viols, violoncellos with improved tension bars; four-string double bass of colonial Cedar & Blackwood" in the Intercolonial Exhibition of Australasia 1866-67. Possibly associated with, or copying, Devereux. (3)
GUEST, Barry Donald (b.1947) Carpenter and joiner, self-taught maker with early instruction from John G. Johnston. Began making in 1980 and has made 4 violins and 3 cellos to 2003. Has also made guitars and mandolins. Currently working on original geometry and design for the violin family of instruments Label: [ hand crafted by: | Guest | anno:_ | Sydney, Australia | (address) ] coloured with decorative border. (1) +61 (0) 2 9723 6356 www.violinstocellos.com
GUSCOTT AUSTRALIA - Makers of "Quiet Electric Stringed Instruments". Began making in 2001 and now produce 4 and 5 string violins, violas, cellos, double basses, octave violins, chincellos and electric upright basses. (1) www.guscott.com.au
HADFIELD, Colin - Amateur violin maker, Dapto, NSW. (2)
HADINA, Josip (b.1955) Self-taught amateur maker in Melbourne. Small output. (10)
HAHN, F - Label (written on timber): [ F Hahn | Electrical & Technical Exhibition | Sydney | NSW | 1892 ] Also stamped F. Hahn on back near button. (3) PHM 2002/92/1
HALL, John - Viol and cello maker, Newtown, NSW. Label: [ John HALL | John Hall | '85 ] (5)
HALL, Martin Daniel (1896 - 1979) Violin, labelled: [ Martin D. Hall | Richmond. Melb | 23/3/1922 ] (24)
HANNON, Geoffrey - Maker and repairer, East Brunswick, Vic. Trained with John Ferwerda. (2)
HARRISON, Guy Alexander (b.1971) Dip.NSVM. Began violin making in SA where he made 2 violins. Awarded a scholarship to study in England, then worked for two and a half years in Helsinki. Subsequently moved to Canada where he has established his own workshop. To 2004 had made 60 instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, double basses and viola da gambas. Labels: [ Guy Harrison | Adelaide Anno 1988 ] , [ Guy Harrison | Fecit Newark Anno 199_ ] , [ Risto Wainio & Co. | Fecit Helsinki Anno 199_ ] , [ Guy Harrison | Fecit Ottawa Anno 2004 ] (1)
HAUGHTON, C. - Melbourne, 1885 - 1904. (15)
HAYDEN, Leonard - Violin (3/4) dated 1923, Sydney. (2)
HAYES, Harold Clemeth (1893 - 1971) Amateur maker of violins and bows using mostly Australian timbers. Began making in 1938. (15)
HAYWARD, Theo Thomas Francis (1900 - 1974) Participated in the British Empire Exhibitions, Wembley in 1925. (3) Label: [ THEO. T. HAYWARD | CLYDE 1945 | MAKER ] (5) PHM H9158 (Clyde 1945)
HEALY, Alan - Violin maker, Sydney.
HEAPS, Alfred Walter (1853 - 1906) Son of a Leeds maker, John Knowles Heaps, and pupil of Handel Pickard of Leeds where he worked until 1874. Came to Australia in 1876 to manage a music store, then worked as a violin maker and repairer in Sydney from 1885 to 1906. Worked at 466 Oxford St, Paddington. (15) Label: [ Alfred Walter Heaps | No.54 MAKER | SYDNEY, N.S.W. 1905 ] (5) or [ Heaps, Sydney ] (4) or signed by hand A.W. Heaps, Sydney, 1884 or A.W.H. 1885. Sold mostly through Palings. (3) PHM 87/1157 (Sydney 1884) H8580 (Sydney 1905) more
HEAPS, Christopher Knowles (1879 - 1944) Son of Alfred Walter Heaps. Worked at 2 Dine St, Randwick (1910 - 1915). (9)
HEAPS, Christopher Spencer (1843 - 1916) Also called himself St. Heaps. Came to Australia in 1871. Probably worked with his brother, Alfred Walter Heaps. Awarded a prize at the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879 for violins and a cello, not known if these were made by him or other family members. (5)
HECKENBERG, David (b.1974) Dip.NSVM (2002). Worked for Stefan Krattenmacher, London (2001 - 2002). Instruments made in Newark (1999 - 2002), London (2001 - 2002) and Brisbane (from 2002). (1) +61 (0) 7 3368 3866 , www.simmersviolinmakers.com.au
HENDERSON, Robert Edward (1921 - ) Label: [ R.E. Henderson | Hamilton Vic Aust | No. (year) ] (7)
HERAUD, Thomas Caught (1865 - 1937) Violin label: T. Heraud, Perry St, Collingwood, 1931. (15)
HIBBERT, W. - Toowoomba, Qld. Violin c.1895 in Queensland Museum, H12432. (2)
HIGGINBOTTOM, Bruce (? - 1983) North Ryde and Neutral Bay, NSW. Made a number of violins, violas and cellos and possibly also a bass. (2)
HILL, Archibald Somerville (1882 - ?) Began making violins in Victoria aged 11. Also made bows. Later moved to the US where he continued violin and bow making in Seattle. (4)
HILL, Tristan Eddington (1901 - ?) Son of the composer Alfred Hill. Learned violin making and repairing with A.E. Smith (1918 - 1922), then established his own business in Melbourne in 1923 where he worked for a few years. Made 7 violins. (5) PHM 88/468 (attr)
HOCKING, Kevin - Amateur violin and viol maker, Aldgate, SA. (2)
HODGSON, Arthur - Amateur maker, Parramatta, NSW, c.1936 (3) PHM 2002/48/1
HOFMAN, Joseph (1888 - 1979) Amateur violin maker, self-taught. Made first violin at the age of 12 from galvanised iron. Made eight violins and one ukelele. (2)
HOLLIDAY, William Meredith (1883 - 1964) Amateur violin maker with a particular interest in Australian timbers. Made at least 26 violins and 3 violas. (15) First violin made in 1943, and the first from local timbers in 1955. Also made bows. (3) Label: [ H O No.8. 1957. "The Nelson" | made by W.M. Holliday | at Lindfield N.S.W. | All Australian Wood ] (5) PHM H10049 (Lindfield 1957) 96/224/1 (va Sydney 1959) PHM B2019-1,4 (bows)
HOLT, Lance Lars (b.1927) Violin maker and repairer, Qld. (2)
HOLT, Barry Grahame Lennox (b.1953) Son of Lance Holt, bow maker and restorer, initially worked in Queensland then Melbourne, Vic. Also worked for many years as professional double bass player. Awarded a Churchill Fellowship (1983) to study with John Clutterbuck, UK. Awarded a Certificate of Merit in VSA competition (1996). Early bows stamped B G HOLT, later used LENNOX HOLT. (1)
HONEYCHURCH, Percy (1886 - 1958) Label: [ "Kremona" | Percy Honeychurch | Bendigo - Australia | 1937 No.6 ] (7)
HOOPER, Bert - Bendigo, Vic. (2)
HOOPER, J. A. - Made several violins using Australian timbers. (15) Label: [ J. A. HOOPER | BIMBIMBIE | 1938 - NSW ] (5) PHM H8685 (Bimbimbie, NSW 1938)
HOPKINS, Livingston (Hop) 
(1846 - 1927) Cartoonist who came to Sydney from The USA in 1883 and worked at the Bulletin for 30 years. Amateur maker of violins and cellos, Mosman, NSW.
Label: [ L .Hopkins | Fecit Sydney 1916 | "HOP" ] (5)
HOWES, Raymond (b.1941) Architect and amateur maker. Began making in 1989 and has completed 3 violins, numerous violas and one alto (Hutchins 20" vertical viola). (1)
HUME, Charles Darley (1865 - 1949) Worked initially at Manchester and with Bela Szepessy in Soho, London. (19) First violin made in Liverpool, 1883. Came to Australia in 1889, settled in Hawthorn and began making again in 1897. Made about 59 violins, violas and cellos and also bows. Won several awards at various exhibitons. Labels: [ Charles D. Hume, Maker | Morang Rd. Hawthorn ] and later [ Gold Medal Melb. Exhibition. | Chas. D. Hume. | No.39 Maker 1924, Melbourne ]. Also named his instruments, e.g. Kubelik, Marie Hall, Melba and Verbrugghen. (4) Played db with the MSO, 1920's. (8) PHM B2021-2 (bow)
HUMPHREY, John (1859 - 1937) Born in Scotland, came to Australia to work as an engineer, c.1890. William Paszek helped him obtain wood and gave advice on violin construction. Made at least 3 violins, 1929 - 1932. Label: [ John Humphrey | Maker | Sydney N.S.W. | 1932 ] (5) PHM H8573 (Sydney, 1932)
HUMPHREYS, Adam (b.1972) Influenced by John G. Johnston and Douglas Finlay. Instruments made in Sydney (from 1996) and Tasmania. (1) +61 (0) 4 2765 7120
HUNGERFORD, Lyn - Initially trained with Harry Vatiliotis, then went to Cremona where she learned from various makers. (2)
HYATT, W. - Made one violin, Murdunna, Tas. (21)
IRWIN, Allen Raymond (b.1960) Dip. and Higher National Dip. LGU (1983). Worked at Boosey & Hawkes, London (1983 - 1985) and Palings, Sydney (1985 - 1988). Opened A.R. Irwin Violins, Edgecliff in June, 1988. Made 8 violins and 2 mandolins. (1) +61 (0) 2 9363 0203
JACKSON, A. - Violin and cello maker, used Australian timbers. Worked in Launceston, Tas in the late 1800's. (2)
JACKSON, Peter - Amateur violin maker, Lane Cove, NSW. (2)
JAFFRAY, Thomas B. (1863 - 1933) Amateur maker working in Lismore, NSW. (4) Label: [ Thos. B. Jaffray Maker | Lismore Australia 1920 | Read Psalm 150 No.5 ] (7)
JAMES, Kenneth Roy - Maker and repairer at Taroona, Tas. Has made violins and cellos from both Australian and European woods. (15)
JAMES, Stanley William (1820? - 1887) Amateur maker, Richmond (Melbourne), c.1880. Made violins using Amati model. (22)
JENKINS, David - Camberwell. Made 3 violins to 2000. (7)
JOHENESON, Axel - Made a violin in conjunction with Carl Karling, 1920's. (2)
JOHNSEN, Russell - Nedlands, WA. (2)
JOHNSON, Arthur A. - Pascoe Vale, Vic. (15)
JOHNSON, William Blyth (b.1928) Retired architect, double bass player and teacher. Began violin making and repairing in 1973, also made a harpsichord and guitar. Attended a course with Ian Clarke (1983) and has worked from Bendigo since 1989. Specialises in 1/10 size double basses. Label: [ BLYTH JOHNSON | DOUBLE BASS No 2 | BENDIGO 1998 ] with coloured logo and signed. (1)
JOHNSON, John Godschall (1912 - 2003) Early association with Tom Lewis. One of the early members of AAMIM and was a well known demonstrator of violin making at exhibitions throughout Australia. Awarded OAM (1991). Made 83 instruments, all inscribed with 'TIMBFGNBOS' indicating they can be given away but never sold. (1) Label: [ John Godschall Johnson | maker | SYDNEY AUSTRALIA | No.__ 19__ TIMBFGNBOS ] also signed. (5) PHM 86/1245 (Sydney 1985), 99/87/1,2 (Sydney 1993), 99/87/3 (va Sydney 1994), 99/87/4 (vc Sydney 1994)
JOHNSON, William - South Yarra,Vic c. 1907. (2) Label: [ William Johnson | Maker | Domain St. South Yarra | Victoria, Australia | 1902 ] (7) A 1908 violin is guitar-shaped with cedar back and sides. (2)
JOHNSTON, John David (b.1948) Dip.NSVM (1980). Worked with W.E. Hill & Sons (1980) and as head of restoration with Hamilton Caswell in Bristol (1981). Set up his workshop in Rozelle in 1982. Has made over 100 instruments. Label: [ John D. Johnston | fecit Sydney, 1994 ] with JDJ in circle (1) +61 (0) 2 9818 3563 , members.ol.com.au/jdj/
JOHNSTON, Stuart - Amateur maker, Bairnsdale, Vic. (2)
JOHNSTONE, John William Henry (1910 - 1979) Made violins, violas, cellos and other bowed string instruments including a cywth. Used a variety of woods, including Australian. (2) Label: [ John Wm.H. Johnstone | Portland Vic | Aust Jly 1969 ] with written JWHJ 3. (7)
JOISEF, Dora - Richmond, Vic (7)
JONES, Kenneth L. - Mt.Lawley, WA. (2)
KARLING, Carl Wilhelm - Made at least one violin with Axel Johanesen, 1920's. (2)
KELLIE, William Cameron (1884 - 1964) Arrived in Melbourne from Scotland in 1912. Had been making bagpipes since a boy, and completed his first violin in 1915. Made around 50 violins, and 6 violas, the last in 1961. Named all his instruments after Scottish cathedrals or abbeys. Label: [ William Cameron Kellie | Lochinvar - 1940 | Melbourne ] (15)
KEMP, Peter - Label: Built 1962, Peter Kemp (3) PHM H9381 (Brisbane 1962)
KING, Charles A. - Melbourne, c. 1922. (2)
KINNEMAN, Ernest (? - 1912) Sydney, 1880 - 1904. (4)
KIRK, John - Amateur violin and viol maker, Aranda, ACT. (2)
KIRKPATRICK, Vanessa Karin (b.1972) Amateur maker, NSW. Assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin. Label: [ Vanessa Kirkpatrick | Glenbrook N.S.W. | 1996 ] (5)
KNOWLES, Robinson (? - 1945) Worked at 11 Rowe St, Sydney from 1914 to 1915. Possibly also at 7 Hercules St, Dulwich Hill in 1927. (9)
KNOX, Archibald Robert Stephen (b.1928) Violin maker, Wyoming, NSW. Initial guidance from journals of VMABC, with later assistance from Vatiliotis and Cedric Clarke. First instrument made in 1983 and to 2004 had made 12 violins, 5 violas and 8 cellos, mostly from European timbers. Label: [ Archibald Robert Knox | Matcham Australia 19__ ] (to 2000) and [ Archibald Robert Knox | Australia 19__ ] (2000 to present) (1) +61 (0) 2 4324 9266
KOLSCH, Ivan Otto (1914 - 1965) Started working for A.E. Smith in 1928, eventually became responsible for most of the bow rehairs and repairs. Made first violin in 1930 and a viola in 1932. Set up business on his own in the early 30's at 23 Hamilton St, Sydney. (15) Moved to 15 Hunter St, Sydney in 1941. (14) His last violin was made in 1951 and he made a total of 3 violins, 1 viola, 10 vn bows, 2 va bows and 2 bass bows. (15) Label: [ Ivan Otto Kolsch | Sydney date ] (15) PHM B2024-1 B2025- 1,2,3 H8596 (bows)
KOUTSKY, Miroslav (b.1934) Amateur maker, assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin. (5)
KRUESMANN, Heinz George - Bow maker, Newstead, Tas. (2)
LAMBERT, Barry Norman - Amateur maker, St.Ives, NSW. Learned from Harry Vatiliotis and has made at least 6 violins. (2)
LANE, Hal - Maker of cellos and double basses, Lindisfarne, Tas. (21)
LANSDOWN, Herbert Edwin (1868 - 1952) Violin made in Lismore, NSW, 1935. Also a bass made in Croydon, NSW. (2)
LATHAM, Percy (? - 1972) Piano tuner and violinist. Made a number of violins 1940 - 1960. (2)
LEAK, Graham - Violin, viola and cello maker, Farrer, ACT. (2)
LEHMANN, Wilfred - Violinist and conductor, made 1 violin assisted by David Glanville. (2)
LEMIN, Brian - Greenbank, Qld. (2)
LESTER, Alfred Edward (1876? - 1944) Label: [ A.E. Lester | Maker 1920 | Euroa | Victoria ] (7)
LETHBRIDGE, Thomas Melnough (1909 - 1983) Apprenticed to John Yakimoff in Sydney. Only made one violin, concentrating mostly on repair work. Also worked as a violinist. Opened a shop in Ann St, Brisbane (1970's) dealing and repairing for a few years. (15)
LEWIS, Henry Francis (? - 1925) Originally worked with John Devereux in Melbourne. (2) Worked as a violin maker in Sydney from 1862. Label: [ H.F. Lewis | Violin Maker | Ash Street, Sydney ] (4) and [ H. F. Lewis | Sydney 1914 ] written on wood. (5) Worked at 16 Ash St, Sydney from 1919 to 1924. (9) Exhibited two violins in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889, one made from Australian blackwood (17) PHM H9169 (Sydney c.1904) H8587 (Sydney 1914)
LEWIS, Thomas Hubert - Trained with A.E. Smith. Worked for a time in Adelaide then moved to Riversdale Rd, Hawthorn, Vic in the early 1970's. (5)
LIARS, Mr. 
- Photo in NAA depicts a Mr. Liars in his workshop, c.1970. (5)
LIDGETT, David - Violin and viola maker, Salisbury East, SA. (2)
LIPPLE, Thomas Stanley (1920 - 1999) Bull Creek, WA. (2)
LIVERSIDGE, Trevor - Trained with Harry Vatiliotis. (2)
LLEWELLYN, Dafydd John (b.1942) Grandson of A.E. Smith, learned violin making from him in the mid 1950's and made 2 violins then. Later resumed making and worked at Leppington, NSW from 1975 where he made 3 violins and a viola. (11)
LLOYD, Cecil Lee Tyndale (1907 - ?) Amateur maker, Warwick, Qld. Friend of Thurlow, made several violins and 1 viola. (15)
LO SCHIAVO, Antonius Petrus - Listed as a violin maker at 100 Phillip St, Sydney in 1926 (14) and a violin by this maker featured in an A.E. Smith catalogue (20/12/1932). (2)
LOUGHTON, John (Jack) Anselm (1918 - ) Woodworker, french polisher and self-taught violin maker, WA. Made around 10 violins from 1995 to 2003, using various woods. Label handwritten with name, locality and woods used. (1)
LOWE, William (1899 - ) Amateur maker. First violin made in 1949. Made 20 violins to 1964. One violin donated to the Newcastle Conservatorium. Label: [ William Lowe | WL Newcastle, N.S.W. | Anno 19__ ] (6)
LUKEY, Alan - Sunshine, Vic. (2)
LUKEY, Christopher - Viol and varnish maker, Glenfield, NSW. (2)
LYKKE, Henry Christen Nielsen (1882 - 1972) Pupil of William Paszek. (2) Made just under 100 violins, most of which were sold through A.E. Smith & Co. (15) Label: [ Henry Lykke | Sydney 1914 ] (5) PHM H9032 (Sydney 1914)
MacFARLANE, Ernest - Violin made 1939 or 1959. (12)
MacKENZIE, Malcolm Andrew (1971 - 2004) Amateur maker, assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin. (5)
MacPHEE, Alexander - Amateur maker, Doncaster East, Vic. (2)
MALLIA, Jeffrey - Violin maker, Pendle Hill, NSW. (2)
MANBY VIOLIN COMPANY - Sold European factory instruments modified with a patented incised fingerboard and sometimes machine heads in place of pegs. Melbourne 1913 - 1930's. (5) Also listed at 630a George St, Sydney in 1921, then 731 George St from 1922 to 1925, then 727 George St from 1926 to 1930. (9) PHM H9318
MARTIN, Herbert Ernest - Violin, viola, cello and bass maker in Sydney. Came to Australia from England. Violin No. 136 is dated 14/7/1908. (2) Label: [ H. E. Martin | Maker | 22/11/50 | No.119 ] written on wood and H.E. MARTIN also stamped on back below button. (5) PHM H8571
MATHEW, Daniel Dering (? - 1856) Free settler who came to Australia in 1812. Engineer, architect, geologist and owner of a saw mill. Sent a violin he had made from Australian wood to the Colonial Secretary in 1823. (12)
McANALLY, Henry J. - Violin labelled Waterloo, Sydney, 1899. (2) Also listed as working at 7 Junction St, Woollahra, NSW in 1926. (14)
McGEORGE, Graham (b.1977) Amateur maker, Gisborne, Vic. Made one cello under the guidance of John Ferwerda. Label: [ Graham McGeorge | Melbourne - 2004 - No.1 ] (1)
McKEE, Leonard George (? - 1967) Amateur maker, 1965 (va). (5)
McLAREN, Imlay (1839 - 1917) Amateur maker, living in the Clarence River area. Made at least 13 violins and 1 cello, using Australian timbers. Label: [ Stradivarius Copy by | Imlay McLaren Lismore | Fecit Anno 6/1914 ] (12)
McLENNAN, John Ewan (b.1925) Self-taught violin maker since 1980. Also researched and published widely on violin acoustics and varnish. To 2003 had made 2 violins and 2 violas. (1)
McMAHON, James Thomas (? - 1950) Label: [ James Thos McMahon | Mt. Gambier S.A. | 1932 ] (7)
McMAHON, Michael -
McVEAN, Edward (b.1931) Made 5 violins, 1 viola & 1 bow since 1990. Main influence from Harry Wake publications. Labelled with Edward McVean, Dundee Fiddler and/or Edinburgh Fiddler, with musical notes and sketch of kilted fiddler (also numbered and dated) (1)
MEADOWS, Robert - Dip.LGU. Maker of violins, viols and hurdy-gurdies. (2)
MEIER, E. - Brisbane, 1970's. Made 3 cellos. (15)
MEINEKIE, Rudolph (1885? - 1991?) Maryborough, Qld. (2)
MERCER, Kevin - Amateur viol maker. (2)
MERLIN, Louisa - Mildura, Vic (7)
MERTENS, Samuel - Amateur maker, assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin. (5)
MICKLESON M. J. - Violin dated December, 1928. (2)
MIDDLETON, John - Resident at Dooen, South Gippsland, Vic. Exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889 with a violin made from native orangewood. (17)
MIERS, Joseph Thomas 
(1867 - 1950) Violin labelled Joseph Miers, Adelaide, South Australia, No.7 1905. (2) Also violin made 1910. (15)
MILLER, Frederick (1916 - ) Nambucca Heads, NSW. Mostly self-taught violin maker with some assistance from A.E. Smith. (2)
MILLER, Norman Henry (b.1911) Self-taught, began making in 1956. (4) www.millerviolins.com.au
MOLLISON, Stanley Edwin (1902 - 1976) Made 10 violins and 1 viola in Melbourne. Label: S. E. Mollison, Melbourne, No.9 1932 (15)
MOLONEY, J. - North Williamstown, Vic (2)
MORGAN, David -
MOYES, Robin - Maker of violins and plucked string instruments, North Nowra, NSW. (2)
MURPHY, Patrick - Label in violin noted by William Dolphin: "Repaired by Patrick Murphy, Harp, Serpent and Violin Maker, Clarence St, Sydney, 1817". (15)
NELSON, Horace - Moonambel, Vic. Exhibited a violin made of Australian timber at Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889, with back made from about 50 pieces of wood, mostly Australian. (17) Label: [ Horace Nelson | Brighton VICTORIA 1915 ] (5) PHM H8577 (Brighton 1915)
NEMETH, Johannes (John) 
(1913 - 1985) Served apprenticeship with Johann Spiegel in Budapest (commencing 1935), awarded the Master
Violin Makers' Golden Diploma in Budapest (1939). First violin made in 1937. Came to Australia from Vienna in 1957. Worked in Sydney in the late 1950's then appointed repairer to Davis' Musical Instrument House in Russell St, Melbourne in 1960. He left to open his own shop in 1966, the Hawthorn Music Centre in Burwood Road, Hawthorn, which he operated for two years. In 1968 he was offered a position with HUG, the largest music house in Switzerland, and he returned to Europe. To 1968 he had made 166 violins, 14 violas, 14 cellos and 8 double basses. Label: [ JOHANNES NEMETH | faciebat anno 1954 ] (1)
NEUMANN, Hermann (? - 1934) German immigrant who came to Australia in 1884. Amateur violin maker. Won Certificate of Merit at the Brisbane Royal Show, 1928. Violin on exhibit at Das Neumann Haus Museum 2000-001 (1920 - 1925)
NEWHAM, Edmond Joseph (? - 1941) Worked at 212 William St, Sydney from 1930 to 1933. (9) Worked at A. E. Smith's for a short time around 1926 where he made a cello. (15) Label: [ Edmond Newham | Sydney 1930 ] (3) PHM H9859 (Sydney 1925)
NICOLL, F. - Listed in an exhibition catalogue from Farmer's Blaxland Galleries (1938). (3)
NIELSEN, Anders (1854 - 1926) Worked at 159 Cecily St, Leichhardt from 1918 to 1927. (9) Used Tasmanian timbers and sold through Max Mircher Pty Ltd of Sydney. (3) Label: [ COPY OF STRADIUARIUS | MADE BY | A. NIELSEN, SYDNEY, 1920 ] (5) PHM H8586 (Sydney 1920)
NOLAN-FORDHAM, Warren J. (b.1958) Self-taught maker with help and encouragement from Kevin Williams, Richard Arter and William Kellie. Uses Australian timbers exclusively. (11) Worked at Montsalvat, Eltham, Vic until 1989 then moved to Tasmania. (5) www.craftvic.asn.au/instrumental/wnf.htm
NORRIS, Edgar Lewin (1891 - 1956) Amateur maker in Toowoomba, Qld. Made 2 violins, one a copy of the 'Messiah'. (15)
NORTON, David - Trained at LGU. Port Kembla, NSW. (2)
OCTIGAN, William Timothy (1879 - 1952) Learned violin making from W. H. Dow. Exhibited a guitar at the Wembley Exhibition 1924/25 and was awarded a bronze medal. (15) Manager of violin department, Allans, Melbourne. First violin made in 1923. Labels: [ W.T. Octigan No.1 | Maker | Melbourne ] and [ William T. Octigan | No.2 Melbourne 1924 ] (4)
O'GRADY, H. - Amateur maker, producing about one a year. Label: H. O'Grady, GRANVILLE NSW, S2 1966 (15)
OLDHAM, Wilfred Hugh (1924 - ) Amateur violin maker, Curtin, ACT. Made at least 4 violins and 5 violas. (2)
OLIVER, Nelson Hardy (1885 - 1955) Made first violin in 1917 and first viola in 1919. (15) Made at least 9 violas. (2) Worked in Melbourne, completing a string quartet from same wood in 1945. Labels: [ Nelson Oliver | Maker | Melbourne ] (4) and [ Made by | Nelson Oliver | Nov 1917 Melbourne ] (5)
PANTING, Richard - Violin maker, Vic. (5)
PARKES, John - Amateur maker, Roseville, NSW. Thought to have made 2 violins and 1 viola. (2)
PASZEK, Gerard William (1888 - 1956) Studied violin making with his father Johann Paszek, Borianova, Poland. He worked in Hanover and several Bohemian cities before migrating to Australia in 1912 and moved to Sydney in 1914. Worked for A.E. Smith for 4 years then briefly in partnership with Eli Bannister before establishing his own workshop. Thought to have made about 30 instruments (violins, one cello) (15) Worked at 289 George St, Sydney (1921 - 1924), then at 236 George St (1925 - 1930) then 177 George St (1932/33). (9) Also worked at 19 Hunter St, Sydney in 1926. (14) Label: [ WILLIAM PASZEK, Maker | Sydney. Anno 1930 ] (5) PHM 88/457 (Sydney 1930)
PATTERSON, William Alexander (1879 - 1961?) Amateur maker in Brisbane, Qld. Started making in 1953, used Qld timbers. (15)
PATTON, Arthur Herbert Dunlop (1908 - 1970) Worked for A.E. Smith from 1923 to 1940 in the sales department, then had his own business as violin maker and repairer at Market St, Sydney from 1940 to 1952. Made about 10 violins and a viola between 1931 and 1949. (15)
PAXEVANOS, George - Violin maker, Mooloolaba, Qld. (20)
PEACOCK, J. - Elgin St, Carlton, Melbourne. Exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. (17)
PELCHEN, George Stanley (1913 - ) Hamilton, Vic. Started making in 1931 and has made 20 violins, 4 violas and 2 cellos. (7)
PEMBERTON, Percy Granville (1868 - 1940) Thought to have worked in Port Melbourne, Vic around 1900. (2)
PENGILLEY, Mark - Dip.NSVM (1984). First instrument (va) made 1980. Established in Abbotsford, Vic in 1990. (1) www.craftvic.asn.au/instrumental/pengilley.htm
PENNYCAD, Bryan - Amateur violin maker, Sydney. (2)
PERRY, James - Label: James Perry, Violin Maker, Melbourne 1949 (15)
PETERS, George Charles Sidney (? - 1986) Violin maker and repairer. Trained in England with George W. Hudson, Chessington, Surrey around 1942. Worked in Sydney with Arthur Patton. (2)
PETHER, Henry John (1869? - 1933) Violin and viola maker in WA. (2)
PETROFF, Leon (b.1958) Studied violin making in Lvov and Moscow (1979 - 1986) with further studies in Cremona (1996 - 1997). Moved to Australia in 1990 and opened his first studio in Melbourne in 1994. To 2003 has made over 40 instruments (va, va & vc). Label: [ Leon Petroff | Violin Maker | ANNO 2003 | L Petroff | FECE in MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA ] Name also stamped across corner of label and on belly (1) +61 (0) 3 9557 5111 , www.leonpetroff.com.au
PETSCHEL, Ronald Theodore (1917 - 1983) Label: [ Ronald T Petschel | timber cured | 1932 | completed | 1982 | Geelong, Victoria, Australia ] (7)
PETTINGILL, Charles Richard (1887 - 1959) Amateur violin maker, Port Fairy, Vic. Made about 12 violins. Label: C. R. Pettingill | Late | 958.38 Bat. AIF. | ST HELENS PT. FAIRY | VICT 19.5.1920 (15)
PHILLIPS, Cyril Arthur (1906 - 2000) Amateur maker, Freemantle, WA. Mainly self-taught with some assistance from William Pougnault. Made at least 9 instruments. (2)
PHILLIPS, James - Violin listed in A.E. Smith's catalogue of 20/12/1932. (2) Worked in Sydney late 1800's. Label: [ James Phillips | Maker | Sydney 1888 ] (7)
PIDCOCK - Violin maker in Grafton, NSW. (2)
PIDDINGTON, Edward (1860? - 1923) Exhibited a violin in the Intercolonial Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, Melbourne, 1879 - 1880. (5)
PORTEGIES, Ted - Amateur violin maker, Orange, NSW. (2)
POTTS, Stanley Archibald (b.1943) Renowned British violin maker and repairer, formerly from Dorking, England. Potts retired to Australia in 2006 and was not known to have made any further instruments (a sad loss to the violin making fraternity). (5) www.stanleypotts.co.uk
POUGNAULT, William Desire Lucien (1910 - 1994) Self-taught maker in WA. Made at last 9 violins. (2) Repair Label: [ WILLIAM POUGNAULT | - Repairer - | MT. HAWTHORN 19 58 ] (5)
PRICE, W. D. - Amateur maker, label noted in double bass. Label: W. D. Price, maker Melbourne 1939 (15)
PROCTOR, Robert - Began making bows in Brisbane under guidance of Lennox Holt. Moved to Perth for a number of years, now working in the US. (5)
PUGLISI, Benedict Gerard (b.1965) Began making in 1988 and to 2004 had made 8 double basses and 2 violins. (1) www.benedictgpuglisi.com
PULLEN, Erastus (1868 - 1937) Won the Harmony Trophy in an amateur violin making competition in 1934. Label: [ Erastus Pullen | Macksville | No.38 1933 ] also E. Pullen 1933 written on inside of back. (5) PHM H4047 (Macksville 1933)
PYE, Arthur (1906 - 1971) Worked as a maker in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England (1936 - 1949) and in Newcastle, NSW (from 1946?). Made 6 violins, 1 cello and 1 double bass. (2) Label: [ No.5 | Arthur Pye | Newcastle | A.Pye, 1953 N.S.W. ] (5) PHM H9028 (Newcastle 1953)
PYE, Jim - Learned from his father, Arthur Pye, and also John G. Johnston. Made at least 4 violins and 4 violas. (2)
PYMBLE, Frederick William (1893 - 1969) Thought to have made 2 cellos with inlaid backs. (2)
PYMBLE, Roy Franklin (1896 - 1974) Self-taught, made 1 violin. (2)
PYMBLE, William Henry (1861 - 1950) Made 1 violin with carved back. (2)
RABINOVITCH, Abraham - Self-taught maker, Melbourne. Made 2 violins and a bow, one violin dated 1899. (2)
RABINOVITCH, Solomon (1851 - 1912) Born in Russia, trained in Germany and France. Migrated to Australia in 1880 and lived in Melbourne until c.1889. Moved to Sydney and worked there until c.1898, then returned to Melbourne. Produced about 200 instruments. Label: [ S. RABINOVITCH | MADE DEC. 1895 SYDNEY N.S.W. ] (5) and [ MADE BY S. RABINOVITCH VIOLIN | MAKER MAY 1899 MELBOURNE VICTORIA ] (7)
RADFORD, Christopher John (b.1915) Self-taught amateur maker, Adelaide, SA. Began making in the 1950's and to 2003 had made 6 violins and some guitars. Labelled with name and year. (1)
RADLEY, Dunstan Anthony (1907 - 1989) Amateur maker, Petersham, NSW. Assisted by Syd Vyse. (2)
RALPH, Alexander George (b.1930) Retired engineer, self-taught amateur maker. Made 2 violins and a viola to 2002. Label: [ Alexander G. Ralph | Mittagong 2000 | No.1 | (signed) ] (1)
RAULIN, Rene (b.1964) Born in Stuttgart, Germany and immigrated to Australia when he was eleven. Trained for 3 years with Warren Nolan-Fordham at Montsalvat (1990 - 1993) and later with Oscar Kappelmeyer in Passau, Germany, working on instruments for the Vienna Conservatorium. Raulin now makes and restores string instruments with a particular interest in Baroque violins. He has done extensive research on Australian timbers and prefers to work with these woods where possible. (1) www.raulininstruments.com
REA, Peter - Amateur maker, Corinda, Qld. (2)
REKSTEN, Jan (b.1947) Amateur maker, Canberra, ACT. Began making in 1994 with initial instruction from Vladimir Doitschinov. Made 2 violins to 2003. Label: Jan Rixton | Canberra 2003 (1)
RHODES, Henry (1875 - 1960) Self-taught amateur maker, Sydney. Made at least two violins, one c.1895. (2)
RICHARDS, Keith Thomas (b.1934) Grandson of Thomas Richards. Mechanic who lives in Moree, NSW, started violin making in 2002 when he retired. Has made 13 violins (5 were lost in a house fire). Main assistance from Harry Vatiliotis. Label: [ Keith Richards | No.4 2006 ] (1)
RICHARDS, Thomas 
(1866 - 1963) Farmer who made violins as a hobby at Camp Mountain, Samford, Qld. Used mostly Australian timbers, occasionally traditional wood. Made at least 119 violins, 5 violas. 1 half-size cello and 40 bows. Label: [ Thomas Richards | Samford | 1931 ] (15)
RICHARDSON, George - Amateur maker, living in Ballarat in 1924. Used Australian and European timbers with construction methods of W.J. Farrell. (4)
ROBERTS, Arnold Freer (1903 - 1960) Amateur maker in Brisbane, Qld. Made about 7 violins and 1 viola, the last in 1959. Exhibited at the Queensland Industries Fair, gained awards in 1956 and 1959. Label: [ Arnold F. Roberts | Brisbane | 1951 ] (15)
ROBERTSON, John Holland (1842 - 1909) Amateur maker working at Calperum, near Gawler, SA. Thought to have made around 133 violins, and at least one viola (1904). Label: John H. Robertson fecit Anno 1908, Calperum, South Australia No.131 (2) and [ John H Robertson fecit Anno 1893 | Chowilla, South Australia ] with "Made by John H Robertson 1893" written on inside back (10)
ROBINSON, Arthur T. (b.1936) Began making and repairing violins in Victoria, 1975. Moved to WA in 1991. (1) www.arthurrobinsonviolins.iinet.net.au
ROBINSON, Edwin John - Amateur violin maker, Lindfield, NSW. (2) Listed in an exhibition catalogue from Farmer's Blaxland Galleries (1938). (3)
ROBINSON, James William (b.1948) Dip.IPIALL (1973), Cert.Classic Guitar Making, ASL (2000). Worked at Ealing Strings (London), Paul Schuback Violins (Portland), Jacques Francais Violins (NY), Kanda & Co (Tokyo), Johnson String Instruments (Boston) and Animato Violins (Brisbane). Awards at International Violin Making Competition, Newark (1st place for vc in 1978, 1st place for va in 1978, 2nd place for vn in 1975). Instruments made in Cremona (1971 - 1973), London (1974 - 1978), Portland (1977 - 1979), New York (1979 - 1981), Tokyo (1981 - 1983), Singapore (1983 - 1986), Honolulu (1986 - 1991), Sydney (1991 - 1994), Cairns (1995 - 2000), Boston (2000) and Brisbane (2000 - 2004). Moved to Singapore in 2004, then returned to Adelaide in 2006 where he has set up a workshop at Level 3, 142 North Terrace. (1) 0413 875 284 www.violinplace.com.au
ROBINSON, O. - Made a number of violins. (2)
ROBINSON, Timothy John (b.1958) Amateur violin maker in Sydney, NSW. To 2004 had made 1 violin from Canadian maple and Sitka spruce. Label: [ Tim Robinson | Number 1 | Sydney 2004 ] (1)
ROCCISANO, Dante -
RONIS - Amateur maker who made at least one violin and one viola. Violin made from Australian timbers with "Ronis" handwritten on inside back. Viola similar, with hand written label. (5)
ROSE, James - Made many instruments from Australian woods. Label: [ May 12 1894 | James Rose maker | Bathurst St | Hobart ] (21) Violin on exhibit in Tasmanian Museum, Hobart. (5)
ROTHAMMER, Carl (1881 - 1958) Gained experience in Austria, Hungary, Germany, Holland and America. Successfully established at Cleveland, Omaha, Los Angeles, Portland & Sydney. (22) Worked in partnership with A.E. Smith at 335a George St, Sydney around 1913. Died in Los Angeles. (5)
ROY, Joseph (1881? - 1964) Label: [ Joseph Roy | Spring Vale | Melbourne, March 1922 ] (4)
RUSSELL, Thomas (1901 - ?) Pupil of A.E. Smith and employed by him, mainly for bow repairs. Made about 4 violins. Label: [ Thomas Russell | Sydney, 1929 ] (4)
RYDER, John Robert Neill (1914 - ) Photo in War Memorial from 1945 showing a brigadeer examining a violin made by Sergeant J. R. Ryder. (5)
SAMPSON, Herbert Stanley (1891 - 1955) Worked for British makers and dealers until 1908 and made first instrument in that year. Arrived in Melbourne 1909. Worked for A.E. Smith in Melbourne before opening his own workshop. 30 violins made up to 1924. Label: [ Made by | H.S. Sampson | Melbourne | 1924 ] with signature across and also stamped HSS. (4) Worked at 115 Elizabeth St, Melbourne in 1930's as violin maker, repairer and importer. (15) PHM H9056 (Melbourne 1927)
SAMPSON, Stanley Galba (1925 - ) Son of H.S. Sampson. Worked with father in his business, not known whether he made any violins. (15)
SAUNDERS, Henry Charles (1901 - 1990) Made at least 7 violins and 2 violas, the first violin in 1960 and a viola in 1962. Used plans given to him by A.E.Smith. (2)
SAVINI, Bruno - Amateur maker, Dapto, NSW. (2)
SAWTELL, Frederick Edward (1888 - 1942) SA maker. Made his first violin c.1928 and produced around 9 violins. (25)
SAYERS, David (b.1965) Violin maker, trained with John Ferwerda. (2)
SAYWER, Franklin Thomas (1917? - 1999) Amateur violin and viola maker. (2)
SCHAHINGER, Ronald Rudolph (1913 - 1991) Amateur maker in SA, trained as a cellist and played with ASO. Later worked as a cooper. Made first violin in the early 1920's in SA. Went to Sydney in the 1940's and gained some advice from Syd Vyse and A. E. Smith. Made 4 violins, 1 viola and at least 14 cellos (one possibly a viola da gamba). Used all European timbers except Australian wood for his last cello (dated 1989). Label: [ RON SCHAHINGER | MAKER | ADELAIDE 1987 ] (1)
SCHUSTER, Martin (b.1964) Dip.NSVM (1988). Worked for Contrada Musica, Amersfoort, The Netherlands (1989 - 1991); Peter Koerner, Mainz, Germany (1992 - 1996); Gerriet Groth, Wiesbaden, Germany (1996 - 2001). Established a violin making and restoration workshop in Melbourne, Australia (2001 to present). Instruments made in Newark (1985 - 1989), Amersfoort (1989 - 1991), Duesseldorf (1991), Wiesbaden (1991 - 2001), Melbourne (from 2001). (1) +61 (0) 3 9381 4893
SCIDA, Mario (b.1956) Violin maker and repairer, working as Auburn Strings, Melbourne. Currently specialising in making cellos, violas and violins. Also has made electric stick cellos and basses. (1) +61 (0) 3 9819 1100 , www.auburnstrings.com.au
SCOTT, Lance Geoffrey (b.1948) Established Lance Scott Violins in Brisbane in 1980. Now working as a violin maker from his private residence. To 2004 had made more than 50 violins, 20 violas and 10 cellos. (1) +61 (0) 7 3206 3442 , www.lancescottviolinmaker.com
SCOULAR, David (1872 - 1955) Came to Australia around 1880. Self-taught violin maker and friend of Charles Clarke and A.E. Smith. Made at least 3 violins and a viola, c.1930. (2)
SCULLETT, Kenneth (b.1943) Amateur maker wortking in Qld. Began making in 1989 and has produced 3 vns, 1 va and 1 vc. Label: [ Ken Scullett-Dean | Violin Maker | Australia year & number ] (1)
SERES, Mark Alwin (b.1954) Amateur maker, assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 viola. (5)
SHAXSON, Bruce - Viola maker, North Adelaide, SA. (2)
SHEPPARD, Thomas - Violin maker, Katoomba, NSW. (2)
SHRIMPTON, J. - Worked at Upper Autumn St, West Geelong, Vic. Exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. (17) Violin dated 1888 and cello dated 1910. (2)
SHROSBREE, Henry James (1858 - 1908) Began working in Adelaide around 1894, first as a violin teacher, then as violin maker and repairer. Worked at 58 Rundle St, Adelaide from 1899 to 1908. Medallist at the Century Exhibition, Adelaide 1900. Label: [ Henry James Shrosbree, faciebat | Adelaide S. Australia. Anno 1894 November, No.2 ] (5) PHM 88/470 (Adelaide 1894)
SIMMERS, John William Keith (b.1968) Dip.Music (va) Qld Con. (1988), Dip.NSVM with distinction (1996). Worked at Morris & Smith, London (1995), with Frank Passa, San Francisco (1996 - 1997) and at J & A Beare, London (1998). Instruments made in Newark (1994 - 1996), San Francisco (1996 - 1997) and Brisbane (from 1997). Baroque violin in the Royal Academy of Music, London. (1) +61 (0) 7 3368 3866 , www.simmersviolinshop.com.au
SINNETT, Thomas G. (? - 1915) Worked at 819 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville (1913 - 1915). (9)
SLEATH, Alfred Henry (1868 - 1942) Learned violin making initially from his father and then at W.E. Hill and Sons, London. Made about 60 violins, 1 viola, 2 cellos and bows. (5) Label: [ A.H. Sleath | Fecit | AHS Brisbane 1896 ] (22)
SLEATH, Henry Walter (1828 - 1918) Established a music business at 456 George St, Brisbane around 1866. Not known if he made violins, though probably did repairs and is reported to have trained his son, Alfred. (5)
SLEATH, Howard Fortnam (1899 - 1984) Son and pupil of A.H. Sleath, beginning work about 1913 and made his first violin in 1917. Assisted by Alfred Hill. Made 63 violins, 5 violas, a tenor gamba and also bows. Almost all violins modelled on Guarneri del Gesu. Label: [ H.F. SLEATH | Fecit | Brisbane, 1963 ] with written initials on LHS. (5) PHM B2021-3 (bow)
SMALL, Frederick (1898 - 1973) First violin made in England, 1913. Made 3 violins and also guitars. (2)
SMEDES, Jamin - Trained and employed by John Ferwerda, Melbourne. (5)
SMITH, Arthur Edward (1880 - 1978) The most influential figure in the history of Australian violin making. Worked for Jeffreys & Sons at Maldon, Essex for four years and produced about 20 violins. Came to Melbourne in 1909 and worked there for a few years, then visited San Franscisco before returning to Sydney around 1913 where he formed A.E. Smith & Co. Made about 170 violins, 40 violas and 3 cellos. Awarded MBE 1971. (5) Label: [ Arthur E. Smith | Sydney, 1924 ] (4) and [ Arthur E Smith Sydney | Faciebat Anno 1963 | ANNO 83 ] with AES in double circle. (5) PHM H9058 (vn 1931), NMA (vn 1954, vn 1946, va 1952, vc 1953) more
SMITH, J. J. - (possibly James Jose) (8) Label: "The Bendigonian" No.2, J.J. Smith, Nov 1897 (3) PHM H9054 (Melbourne 1897)
SMITH, James J. - Label: [ James J. Smith | Violin Maker | St.Kilda Melbourne | No.2 Guarnerius Model 1937 ] (7)
SMITH, Kate Denereaz (Kitty) (1912 - 2005) Learned violin making from her father, A.E. Smith. Began working at A.E. Smith & Co. in the 1930's. Moved to PNG late 1930's and returned to Smith's in 1941. Became managing director of the company in early 1960's until its closure in 1972. (1) First violin was made when she was 16 and has made about 40 instruments. Awarded a diploma at the International Exhibition of Violin Makers at The Hague in 1949. (11) PHM 94/230/1 (Sydney 1955) 94/230/2 (Sydney 1964) 94/230/3 (va Sydney 1960) 94/230/4 (vc Sydney 1962)
SMITH, Roderick F. (b.1939) Son of Kitty Smith. Began his career at A.E. Smith & Co. in 1955. Left in 1972 to start his own shop in Adelaide, returning to Sydney in 1984. Moved to Brisbane in 1988. (1) www.smithsviolins.com
SMITH-VENABLES, Belinda - Daughter of Rod Smith. Has made 2 violins and is currently training in violin making and repair with her father in Brisbane. (1) www.smithsviolins.com
SMYTHE, Ronald L. - Violin and viola maker, self-taught with some instruction from Ian Clarke. (2)
SNOWDEN, Michael (b.1964) Dip.NSVM (1994). Worked with Glenn Collins, Newark (1994 - 1996) then independently in London (1996 - 2002) and Adelaide (from 2002). Instruments sold through J. P. Guivier, Mortimer St, London since 1994. (1) +61 (0) 8 8371 0354
SOLTES, Stephen - Amateur maker, Rocky Cape, Tas. Made 2 violins using Tasmanian timbers. (2)
SOUTER, Charles Henry (1864 - 1944) Migrated to Australia from Scotland in 1879 and worked as a doctor in SA from 1906 to 1944. Contributed ballads, shanties and poems to The Bulletin. (5) Violin label noted from 1895 (7)
SOUTH, J. J. - Label noted in a cello. Label: J. J. South, Bendigo, No 2 1914 (15)
SPEERS, Tom - Bridgetown, WA. (2)
SPENCER, Alfred James (1902 - 1971) Mornington, Vic. (7) 1961 (15)
SPILLER, Michael - Mackay, Qld. (2)
STEEDMAN, John - Violin maker, Hobart, Tas. Label: [ Maggini Model | John Steedman | Hobart | Late of Edinburgh | 1891 ] (2)
STEVENS, Dale -
STEVENS, Roger - Viol maker, Kingaroy, Qld. (2)
STEVENSON, J. A. - Worked at 53 Upper Avenue Rd, Mosman (1909 - 1918). (9) Label: [ J. STEVENSON | Violin Maker & Repairer | SYDNEY An.1914 ] (5)
STRAHLE, David George (1927? - 1980) Self-taught maker of viol family instruments. (2)
STRANGWOOD, Frederick Edwin (1863 - ?) Worked at Canterbury Rd, Albert Park, Melbourne. Exhibited 2 violins of Australian timbers in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. (17)
STRECKER, L. E. - Violin and viola maker, Bucasia, Qld. (2)
STUBBS, William James (1876 - 1965) Amateur violin maker, friend of William Paszek. Made around 100 violins, 4 violas and 8 cellos. Also made bows. Label: Maker W.J. Stubbs Sydney Anno 1958 in His 83rd Year (3) and [ W. J. Stubbs | Sydney 1921 ] written on wood. (5) PHM H8689 (Sydney c.1920) H8574 (Sydney 1958) PHM B2021-1 (bow)
SUNMAN, William - Violin maker, Myaree, WA. (2)
SUTHERLAND, Donald - Worked in Melbourne, 1925. Several violins and cellos, made of Australian wood. (4)
SUHERLAND, George - Violin maker, St. Kilda, Melbourne. (24)
SYMONDS, David - Violin maker, Nambour, Qld. (2)
TAIT, Andrew Alan (b.1957) Double bass player with WASO. To 2006 had made 2 double basses with assistance from Arthur Robinson, Harry Vatiliotis and Roger Dawson (London) (1) Label: [ MADE BY ANDREW TAIT | JAN. 2003. PERTH | AUSTRALIA | BASS NO.1 ] (written directly onto wood)
TAUNTON, Anthony - Nowra, NSW. (2)
TAYLER, John Sinclair (1861 - 1943) Worked with A. E. Smith for a time in the 1920's, mainly responsible for bow rehairs and repairs. Made 2 violins under Smith's guidance. (15)
TAYLOR, Barry - Maker in Bensville, NSW. To 2006 has made 6 solid body electric violins, 1 solid body cello, 1 acoustic/electric violin and 1 cornerless 1/2 size acoustic violin. (1)
TAYLOR, James (1846 - 1917) Professional photographer and amateur violin maker. Born in Scotland, came to South Australia in 1864. Worked in Gawler, Port Augusta (1885 - 1903) then Adelaide (from 1904). Awarded prize at Manufacturers Exhibition in 1895. Label: [ James Taylor | Maker No.8 | Port Augusta S.A. 1894 | Model Guarnerius | Amber Oil Varnish ] and [ James Taylor | Maker No.12 | Adelaide Feb 1916 ] (1)
TERRETT, Albert Arthur (1863 - 1934) A professional musician who made at least 2 violins as well as other instruments, Annandale, NSW. (2)
THAIN, John (1876 - 1934) Violin labelled J Thain Findon S.A. No 35 1903. (2)
THAKER, Michael -
THEODORIDIS, Theodota - see WILLIAMS, Theodota.
THOMAS, Peter (b.1940) Amateur maker, Hazelbrook, NSW. Assisted by Beardsmore and Coggins. Made 1 violin. Label: [ Peter Thomas | Hazelbrook | 2003 ] (5)
THOMPSON, Laurence Henry (1880 - 1959) Ships carpenter, born in Scotland and settled in Australia in 1912. Made first violin at sea in 1906 and estimated to have produced around 60 instruments. (15) Label: [ L. H. THOMPSON | BALMAIN NSW | 1930 ] with T in circle. (5) PHM H8578 (Balmain 1930)
THOMPSON, Rex (1926 - ) Amateur violin maker who has done extensive research into violin varnish, Hazelwood Park, SA. (2)
THORNE, George (? - 1933) Tasmanian violin maker who made at least 24 violins and one viola. Used Australian timber and exhibited at the Wembley Exhibition in 1924 - 1925. (21)
THORNE, William (1894 - ) Came to Australia in 1913, and began making violins in 1914. Worked in Newcastle, NSW from 1951. (2)
THURLOW, Alfred John (1884 - 1969) One of Brisbane's prominent business identities. Made his first violin in 1942 under tuition of Howard F. Sleath and to 1965 had made 34 violins and 3 violas. Each instrument numbered at endpin. Awarded trophies at the Qld Industries Fair in 1955, 1959 and 1962. Mostly used traditional timbers but a few have some Queensland woods (No. 18 and No. 31) (15). Also may have applied the principles of violin making advocated by Farrell. (2) Label: [ Mr. Alfred Thurlow | Brisbane | 1953 ] (5) PHM 88/471 (Brisbane 1953)
TICKLE, David Sutherland (1870 - 1942) Listed as violin maker at 178 Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW in 1926. (14)
TIPPING, John (1938 - ) Self-taught maker of treble, tenor and bass viols, Glenelg, SA. Made at least 5 instruments. (2)
TREGELLAS, Thomas Henry (1864 - 1938) Worked at Lower Huntly, Sandhurst, Vic. Blacksmith who made tin violins in his spare time. Exhibited in Melbourne Exhibition, 1888 - 1889. (17)
TRIFFETT, Gordon Tasman (1895 - 1983) Made his first instrument in 1959 and to 1964 had produced 7 violins, 2 violas, 1 cello and 2 bow sticks in Hobart, Tas. Mostly used Australian wood. (1) Label: [ Gordon Triffett's NONESUCH | CABINETMAKER FRENCH POLISHER, Etc. | 38 BRISBANE ST HOBART TASMANIA | REPAIRS A SPECIALTY OCTOBER 1963 ] (5)
TUCKER, Matthew John (b.1961) Double bass maker, Sydney, NSW. Mostly self taught with some help from other makers via internet. Made an electric upright bass in 2005 and completed first double bass in June 2007 using Australian timbers and Western Red Cedar top and bracing. (1) Label: [ "SIRENTE" | Matthew Tucker, Sydney 2007 | Top: Western Red Cedar | Ribs/back: Silky Oak | Neck/scroll: Blackwood | Purfling: Huon Pine ]
TYRRELL, Frank C. (? - c.1965) Melbourne amateur maker and collector. (15) Label: [ J. Tyrrell | Maker | E. Brunswick, 1935 ] (7)
TWEEDY, John - Flowerdale, Tas(?) (2)
VAISEY, Mervyn Andrew (1910 - 1965) Self-taught maker, violin dated 1943. (2)
VAN HEMERT, Kees (b.1956) Began making bows in Perth, initially training there with dutch maker Matthijs de Jong (1988 - 1989). Worked in Perth until 1994, producing around 100 bows. Employed as bowmaker for Boumans in The Hague (1994 - 1996). Now established his own business in The Hague where he makes historical and modern bows. (1) www.bowmaker.nl
VAN WIRDUM, John Anthony (b.1939) Assisted mainly by Phillip Burgess and Graham Caldersmith. First instrument made 1982 and to 2004 had made 153 instruments - 55 violins, 87 violas and 11 cellos. Labelled with: John Van Wirdum, Australia, anno (year) and (number). Worked in Newcastle for 4 years, then started a stringed instrument shop, Vivaldi's, in Epping, NSW (2001 to present). (1) www.vanwirdumviolins.com.au
VATILIOTIS, Charalambos Andrea (Harry) - Apprenticed to A.E. Smith in 1953 and worked there for about 7 years between 1953 and 1965. Australia's most prolific maker. (11) Label: [ C A VATILIOTIS | MAKER | SYDNEY 1992 ] with CAV logo. (5) PHM 2002/16/1 (Sydney, 2001)
VENABLES, Robin - Began making violins in the UK in 1979 with help and tuition from Ian Clarke, Paul Bickle and Brian Parkinson. Worked in England for 5 years, making modern and baroque instruments. Since returning to Australia has combined violin making with acoustic research. (1)
VIZARD, James - Amateur maker, Brighton, Vic. (2)
VRETOS, Spiros - Amateur maker, Greenacre, NSW. (2)
VYSE, Sidney George (1914 - 1974) Began working with A. E. Smith in 1928 and remained there until 1964. Subsequently set up in Coogee as a restorer and dealer. Label: [ Sidney G. Vyse | Sydney ] (15)
VYSTRCIL, Charles (1912 - 1973) Semi-professional maker in Brisbane. Learned violin making in Czechoslovakia from Ladislas Herclik and made 26 instruments before coming to Australia in 1949. (15) To 1965 had made 7 violins, 3 violas, 1 viola d'amore and 10 guitars in Australia. (6) Migrated to the US around 1966. Label: [ Made by | C. VYSTRCIL | VIOLIN MAKER * GUITAR MAKER | Brisbane 19__ ] (5)
WALKER, Albert - Glen Iris, SA. (2)
WALTON, David B. - Pupil of H. Sleath. (15) Label: [ David B. Walton | Maker, Elizabeth Street, | Brisbane, Qld., 19__ ] with ornate border. (5)
WARD, John Edward (1891 - 1973) Began making in 1924. Made 20 violins, 4 violas and 1 cello. (2) Label: [ John Edward Ward | Sydney, Australia 1928 ] (22) and [ John Edward Ward | Sydney 1955 ] (5) PHM H9144 (Sydney 1955)
WARD, R. T. - Hawthorn, Vic, Australia, 1898. (15) Possibly R.J. Ward. (7)
WATCHORN, Ian (b.1955) Began making and repairing in Sydney (1976) before moving to Canberra (1979). Studied instrument conservation at Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nurnberg, Germany (1982 - 1984) with Friedemann Hellwig and John Henry van der Meer. Subsequently employed at the museum as a conservator (1984 - 1987). Worked at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney as conservator and curator (1987 - 1990). From 1990 has worked privately as a maker, conservator and consultant in Melbourne. (5) www.ianwatchorn.com.au
WATERS, Ezekiel John (1880 - 1938) Worked in Yarramalong, NSW and made violins as a hobby. Said to have made a large number using both Australian and imported timbers. (2)
WATSON, A. J. - Amateur maker, Melbourne. Label: [A. J. Watson | Melbourne, 1903] (10)
WATTERSON, Leonard - Label: [ Len Watterson | Melbourne | Model 74 | 1952 - 1954 ] (7)
WELSTEAD, Cedric George (1913 - 1992) Amateur violin and viola maker. Made 9 violins to 1964. Label: [ CEDRIC WELSTEAD N.S.W. | SYDNEY. faciebat Anno 195_ ] (6)
WESSELS, Johannes Wilhelms (b.1922) Self-taught maker, West Wollongong, NSW. (2)
WHATSON, Ross -
WHITE, E. J. (Jim) 
- Photo in the Melbourne Museum showing E. J. (Jim) White with his hand made violin, Casterton District, Victoria. (5)
WHITE, John - Violin with typed label, Auburn, NSW, 1924. (2)
WHITEHEAD, Frederick George (1888 - 1963) Made at least 7 violins and 1 cello. Label: [ Frederick George Whitehead | Sydney AD 1905 No.__ ] (15)
WHITEHEAD, Neville - www.nevillewhitehead.com
WIGGINS, Charles Arthur (1871 - 1948) Son of Thomas Wiggins (2). Amateur violin maker in Woodsdale, Tasmania. Awarded first prize in Tasmanian Exhibition, 1894/95 for a violin made of 365 inlaid pieces, including mother of pearl. (23)
WIGGINS, Lyall Thomas (1914 - 1965) Grandson of Thomas Wiggins (2). Amateur maker in Tasmania, made a number of violins. (23)
WIGGINS, Raymond Joseph (1882 - 1973) Son of Thomas Wiggins (2). Amateur maker, thought to have made at least 5 violins, Colebrook, Tasmania. (23)
WIGGINS, Thomas (1) (1803 - 1884) Amateur maker, Tasmania. Made a number of violins. One example, c.1840, now in Narryna Heritage Museum, Hobart, Tas. (23)
WIGGINS, Thomas (2) (1842 - 1914) Amateur maker, Wattle Hill, Tasmania. Learned from his father, Thomas Wiggins (1) and passed on the tradition to his descendents. (23)
WIGGINS, Thomas Henry (1867 - 1949) Son of Thomas Wiggins (2). Amateur maker, Wattle Hill, Tasmania. Made a number of violins. (23)
WILLIAMS, Alison - Violin maker and repairer. Daughter of Kevin Williams and trained by him. (2)
WILLIAMS, Alan S. (b.1968) Dip.NSVM (1995). Born in Norfolk, England. Made new instruments in the workshop of Bruno Bourhis (France), then employed producing exact copies of old instruments in the workshop of Roger Hansell (UK). Later worked for Paul Gosling (UK) undertaking restorations, followed by self employment. Moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2006. (1) +61 (0) 8 9736 4342
WILLIAMS, Theodota (nee Theodoridis) (b.1966) Dip.NSVM (1995). Initially trained with Roger Buckmaster and made first violin in 1980. First instruments labelled Dota Theodoridis. Made new instruments in the workshop of Bruno Bourhis (France) then worked at Cremona House (UK) on general setups and repairs. Later worked for Paul Gosling (UK) undertaking restorations, then lectured part-time at NSVM, followed by self-employment. Married Alan Williams in 1999 so subsequent instruments made as Dota Williams. Returned to Melbourne, Australia in 2006. (1) +61 (0) 8 9736 4342
WILLIAMS, Kevin James (b.1925) Made his first violin in 1951 and became a full-time maker in 1972. Uses Australian timbers which he personally collects and mills. (11) www.craftvic.asn.au/instrumental/kwilliams.htm
WILLS, Geoffrey Carmichael (1919 - 2000) Maker of modern and baroque violins, violas and cellos, and also viols. Began making in Brisbane in the early 1970's, with assistance from Fabrizio Reginato. Made over 250 intruments using both Australian and traditional timbers. (5)
WILSON, Glen Brian (b.1961) Trained in guitar construction in Canada, self-taught violin maker. Has made 3 violins to 2003, one from Australian cedar. Labelled with signature and year. (1) www.glenwilsonguitars.com
WILSON, John - Mt. Wilson, NSW. (2)
WILSON, Thomas A. - Geelong, Vic. (7) Listed in an exhibition catalogue from Farmer's Blaxland Galleries (1938). (3)
WINTER - of Winter and Stanley, Pianoforte Makers of 39 Elizabeth St, Hobart Town, Tas. Also made violins prior to 1867. (21)
WISE, Scott - Amateur violin maker, WA. (2)
WITHYCOMBE, Hugh - Dip.NSVM. Worked in ACT from 2003. (5)
WOODHEAD, Henry John Curwan (1875 - 1950) Caulfield, Vic. Music teacher who also made some instruments. He made a viola (either his 5th viola or 5th instrument) in 1916. (15)
WOTHERSPOON, Walter (1879 - 1946) Self-taught violin maker, Lismore, NSW. Made at least 2 violins using European timber. Violin No.2 dated 1902. (2)
WRIGHT, STEVENSON & CO - Listed as violin makers at 27 Church St, Parramatta, NSW in 1926. (14)
YAKIMOFF, John (1878 - 1956) Name also sometimes written as 'Yakimov'. Came to Australia from Russia via China in 1925. Made around 40 violins and a few violas. (15) Worked at 169a George St, Sydney from 1927 to 1933. (9) Label: [ Made by John Yakimoff Sydney | (late of S. Petersburg) | J. Yakimoff 1931 ] (5) PHM H8602 (Sydney 1950)
YOUNG, Alexander (1831 - 1920) Trevallyn, Tas. Received award for 2 violins, a viola and a cello at the Tasmanian Exhibition, Launceston, 1891 - 1892. (2)
YOUNG, John Thomas (1900 - ?) Completed first violin in 1954. Made at least 12 instruments, some in NSW and others in Adelaide. (15) Label: [ Made by J.T. Young | NSW Australia | 1963 ] with JTY logo in centre (5) or [ Made by | J. T. Young | ADELAIDE 1958 ] with JTY logo. (10)
ZIVEC, Frantisek Joseph Emanuel (Frank) (1901 - 1963) Migrated to Melbourne, 1949. (5) Set up a shop at 427 Lygon St, Carlton, Vic and produced about 8 - 10 instruments a year. Sold some instruments in USA. (2) Label: [ Melbourne | FRANTISEK ZIVEC | As CSR 1958 | Rok vyroby | Australia ] Blue printed card with white edging. (7)
Labels:
Exact label transcriptions are contained within square brackets [ ... ] with vertical lines to indicate line breaks. Handwritten text on labels is shown in italics.
Abbreviations:
AAMIM = Australian Association of Musical Instrument Makers
ASL = American School of Lutherie, California
ASO = Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
IPIALL = Scuola Internazionale di Liuteria, Cremona
LGU = London Guildhall University (formerly London School of Furniture)
PHM = Powerhouse Museum (formerly Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences)
MSO = Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
MSVM = Mittenwald School of Violin Making
NAA = National Archives of Australia
NMA = National Museum of Australia
NSVM = Newark School of Violin Making
SSO = Sydney Symphony Orchestra
VMABC = Violin Makers Association of British Columbia
VSA = Violin Society of America
WASO = Western Australian Symphony Orchestra
WSVM = Welsh School of Violin Making
db = double bass
va = viola
vc = cello
vn = violin
ACT = Australian Capital Territory
NSW = New South Wales
NT = Northern Territory
Qld = Queensland
SA = South Australia
Tas = Tasmania
Vic = Victoria
WA = West Australia
Sources of information:
(1) Information supplied by the maker, or the maker's family
(2) Raymond Holliday, personal records. Ray Holliday initially worked as a Chemical Engineer but he
later gained international renown for his work on developing and producing fine head joints for
flutes. He was also an expert flute repairer whose meticulous craftsmanship was greatly admired. Over
many years Ray devoted a considerable amount of time to researching and recording
information about Australian violin makers and he has kindly given access to his extensive notes
for use in this directory
(3) Powerhouse Museum, collection notes
(4) "Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers", William Henley, 1973
(5) Alan Coggins, research notes
(6) "Contemporary Violin Makers", Cyril Woodcock, 1965
(7) Roger Buckmaster, personal records
(8) Blyth Johnson, personal records
(9) Sands Sydney Directories
(10) Alex Grant, personal communication
(11) "Australian Made...Australian Played...", Michael Atherton, 1990
(12) Tim Robinson, research notes
(13) "Violin and Bow Makers of Minnesota", Thomas J. Wenberg, 1988
(14) Wise's NSW Post Office Commercial Directories
(15) E.A. & V.I. Crome Collection Notes
(16) NSW Telephone Directories
(17) Official Catalogue of Exhibits etc, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888 - 1889
(18) Sydney International Exhibition Catalogue, 1879
(19) "The Violin Family and its Makers in the British Isles", Brian W. Harvey, 1995
(20) "The Strad Directory 2003", Orpheus Publications, 2002
(21) Gordon Triffett, letter to E.A. Crome, 12/11/1964
(22) "Critical and Documentary Dictionary of Violin Makers, Old and Modern ", Henri
Poidras, 1928 - 1930
(23) "The Wiggins of Wiggins Town, Van Dieman's Land", Kath Lonergan, 2003
(24) Paul Davies, personal communication
(25) W. Robertson Collins, personal communication
(?) Information unsure, questionable or conflicting.
© Alan Coggins 2004
