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A fantastic example from the independent English bow-maker, Percival Wilfred Bryant

On 10 July 2019
by Will Robertson

Beginning his bow-making career age 18, under the watchful eye of George Withers in Leicester square, Bryant quickly became highly skilled and widely regarded for his work.

In 1932, the Withers house closed down, and after a short period working in Wardour Street, he moved his workshop down to Ovingdean; he remained there for the next 54 years.Aimed at a lofty position in bow making, and has certainly achieved an entire triumph - HenleyOf the few personal characteristic traits in Bryant's bows, we can see the use of the Vuillaume-invented (and later Hill popularised) tracks for the frog to slide along; aiding both the apparent stability and durability of the frog. Interestingly, however, Bryant was one of few good English bow makers who didn't train with the Hill family. I'm particularly fond of the rather eccentric back chamfer on the heel of the frog, an English minimalist version of the rounded heel on many French bows, and unique to Bryant's bows. Bryant was one of few good English bow makers who didn't train with the Hill family. Generally speaking, English makers had access to high-quality Pernambuco; however, the consistent clarity through this stick is reminiscent of the wood used by the Hills for some of their finest pieces. Bryant was likely saving this for a gold and ivory mounted bow such as this one, purchased directly from the maker c.1965.