DHV:
1686
Tourin ID:
Size:
Bass
Place Made:
Maker:
GB
London
William
Turner
Date:
1650 C
Label Text:
Body Shape:
Viol
Current Location:
AUS
Kew, Victoria
No. of Strings:
-4
Collection:
Private Collection
Sound Holes:
C
Catalog Number:
Head:
Scroll
Private Owner:
Yes
Previous Owner:
Measurements:
Body Length:
77.5
String Length:
83
Rib Depth:
11.4
Upper Width:
37.8
Middle Width:
28
Bottom Width:
43.8
Information
Source:
Restoration report by Ian Watchorn (2014); dimensions from supplemental PowerPoint; additional details in e-mails 1-2/18
Literature:
Watchorn 2019 (summary of next item); Restoration report by Ian Watchorn (2014)
Photographs:
Restoration report by Ian Watchorn (2014) (FB+S, head FB+S, underside of table, top off, top/bottom/corner blocks, bottom rib, C-holes, patch in table, etc. [color])
Recordings:
Auctions:
Comments:
Watchorn: “Strongly resembles the work of...Turner” c. 1640-50, based on single dark purfling and overall outline, as well as comparison with examples in Vázquez Collection. 7-piece table (of fir, not spruce) with single purfling and center section of back are original, both with remains of purfling knots; lower rib also original but cut down (by at least 12 mm); middle and upper bouts of different wood. Bottom block original, with no sign of a hookbar; top block maybe also original. Rebuilt as a cello (with altered outline, and back fold modified to a curve) in London around 1750, possibly by a member of the Thompson family (based on varnish and scroll); later massive worm damage and subsequent repair of poor quality. Neck from late 19/early 20C of superior quality, perhaps by Domenic Blummens (active in London in 1920s and 30s), whose name is on bridge. Restored by Watchorn as a mid-18C cello and can be played, but body too fragile for sustained string tension or modern pitch. Body and string lengths, also rib depth are estimates based on existing purfling lines (for length; currently 76.7) and placement of button in lower bout (for ribs).