Violin Bow
Double tap/click to zoomWilliam
Retford Junior
Guide price £12,000
Violin Bow
Made in London, England
1932
W.E.Hill & Sons
58g
or call +44 (0) 7964 310 297
A very pure English violin bow by William Retford Junior, made for the firm of W.E.Hill & Sons, London, England, 1932. Round stick of typical chocolate pernambuco, mounted in silver and tortoiseshell. A beautiful example of the demure work that was typical of this period from the Hill shop. The bow has a ‘W’ on the back of the head, which refers to a pre-emptive strengthening of the head mortise, practiced by the Hill shop on some slab cut bows. Well preserved, and in excellent condition today.
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, William Grieve Johsnton, Frank Napier, and Arthur Bultitude.
