Smith, Arthur E., 1880-1978

Acclaimed as the master violin maker of the 20th century, Arthur E. Smith's string instruments were sought by violinists world wide. A. E. Smith made 200 violins during his working life, the first in Islington, London, at the age of 17. After migrating to Australia in his early 20's, he set up a business in violin making and maintenance, established a shop for string instruments, and trained apprentices. Secrets of his pure-sounding instruments which were compared to the sounds of a Stradivarious of Guarnerius violin, were passed only to his family. His son-in-law, Ernest Llewellyn was a solo violinist, chamber music player, orchestral leader, conductor, teacher and music administrator.

From the description of Papers of Arthur E. Smith, 1927-1978 [manuscript]. 1927-1978. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 223145540

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