Violin Bow
Double tap/click to zoomA very fine Silver and Ebony violin bow by W.C.Retford for W.E. Hill & Sons, made circa 1915 in London, England. Round stick, with dark coffee-coloured pernambuco, and beautiful madagascan ebony. An exceptionally well preserved example of the early output of the W.E. Hill&Sons firm.
History & Provenance
Family business founded by William Ebsworth Hill in 1880 in Wardour Street, London. Moved to 38 New Bond Street in 1882 and to 140 New Bond Street in 1895. Enjoyed unrivalled success and respect throughout the 20th century as violin and bow makers, restorers, and experts. Books written by the Hill Brothers on Stradivari and the Guarneri Family still stand as the standard references. Bow making was one of their most important contributions to English lutherie and their workshops established in Hanwell employed the finest craftsmen, including Samuel Allen, William Retford, Sidney Yeoman, and Arthur Bultitude.
