W.E. Hill & Sons Violin Makers 1880-1936, by John Basford and Tim Toft

W.E. Hill and Sons was Britain’s most important violin dealership in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century and, during this period, became renowned throughout the world for its expertise in instrument identification and repair. This new book gives a clear photographic and documentary record of instrument making at W.E Hill and Sons, from its inception in the early 1880s to 1936, when the first phase of production ended and the last instrument from that first phase of production was recorded in the original sales ledger.

This book is not intended to be a history of the company, although historical context is provided as well as detailed biographical summaries of the principals and employees involved. New information from primary sources corrects and supplements previously published work. All information has been meticulously verified from primary sources; secondary sources are indicated where possible. The book includes stunning photography of some of the Hills’ finest instruments, many of which are rare.

The authors, John Basford and Tim Toft, have made new discoveries around a large amount of original and ground-breaking research about the history of W.E. Hill & Sons. The book contains 28 instruments, numerous templates and moulds, and many part-finished scrolls.