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Viola by Wilfred Saunders, West Bridgford, 1961
This viola has now sold.
About Wilfred Saunders
Wilfred Saunders was born in Nottingham in 1927 and became an apprentice joiner at the age of 14. A violinist himself, he then turned his woodworking skills towards the art of violin making. His violas are particularly sought after: he worked with Lionel Tertis on the development of his eponymous model and then worked closely with his great friend Peter Schidlof of the Amadeus Quartet to create his own ideal viola design.
In addition to his work as a maker, Saunders taught at the prestigious Newark School of Violin Making from the outset, as well as at his own summer schools and evening classes. He is remembered as an inspirational teacher who had an enormous impact on British making, and whose instruments can be found in the hands of professional musicians across the world.
About the viola
This viola was made in West Bridgford, Nottingham, in 1961 and is modelled after Peter Schidlof's Bergonzi viola. The instrument is number 29 in Saunders' catalogue.
The viola has a two piece back of quarter-sawn maple with ribs and scroll to match. The one piece front is of straight-grained spruce which widens towards the flanks and the varnish is a shaded reddish-brown, laid over a lighter golden ground.
The viola has a length of back of 16 and 3/8 inches.
How does it sound?
This is 20th century viola making at its very best. The viola sounds large, with a rich tenor tone across all 4 strings. It responds very quickly, making it an agile musical partner despite its larger size.
Condition
The viola is in very good condition.
Certification
The instrument is signed internally in addition to bearing its original label.