Viola by George Blackburn, Ware, 1981
About George Blackburn
George Bernard Blackburn was born in 1938 and worked as an instrument repairer in Hertforshire. He made his instruments at his home in Ware and died in 2020.
About the viola
This viola was made in July 1981 and is built on a fairly personal model.
The viola has a two piece back of narrow-flamed maple with ribs and scroll to match. The front is two pieces of straight-grained spruce and the varnish is reddish-brown in colour.
The back bears the the Prince of Wales's feathers and the letters C and D, a reference to the royal wedding that took place the month the viola was finished. The instrument also has an inscription inside which tells us who the viola was made for: the crest may well have been part of the commission.
The viola has a length of back of 16 and 3/8ths or 416 mm.
How does it sound?
The viola has a rich, warm lower end with a more focussed upper register. It works best with a relatively heavy bow.
Condition
The viola is in excellent condition.
Further information
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