The shop is closed from the 23rd of December until the 3rd of January for the Festive Season
Viola made in London, circa 1820
About London making in the 1820s
This viola was made in London in the first quarter of the 19th century. It was made by an associate of Thomas Kennedy, working to a similar model but in a slightly more personal style. Frustratingly, we have not yet been able to identify the maker: the Kennedy workshop had various employees and also used a number of outworkers, meaning that narrowing it down to an individual luthier has not been possible.
About the viola
This viola was made in London around 1820. The instrument is built on the small Amati model popular in London at the time.
The viola has a two-piece back of highly figured, quarter-sawn maple, with ribs and scroll of similar wood. The front is two pieces of spruce and the varnish is the rich reddish-purple that we see on Kennedy instruments of the period.
The viola has a length of back of 383 mm, or 15 1/16th inches. The string length is 351 mm.
How does it sound?
This is a fantastic instrument with a huge character! It's exceptionally responsive and very even, with a big singing voice and a warm sound.
Condition
The viola is in excellent condition.
Audio sample
Further information
Please get in touch for more details about this small antique English viola for sale and a member of our team will get back to you.