Turner, London, lion head viola, 19th century

This petite English lion head viola with its outstanding sound is a rare beauty that was crafted in the early 19th century in London. It bears the Turner London brandstamp on top at the saddle and reflects traditional craftsmanship at its finest with its skilfully carved lion head, the beautiful accented edges and gentle fluting. The intrinsic shine of the golden-brown varnish is also quite typical for English instruments and has developed an appealing historical character featuring a patina and some traces of use. The highly transparent varnish complements the well-selected tone woods, which were handled with great aesthetic care. This crackfree antique Viola has - with slight alteration to the shape of the soundholes - remained in excellent condition and was meticulously set up and made ready to play in our atelier. Measuring 38.1 cm in length, this petite viola is one of the smaller of its kind and will win you over with its balanced sound that is warm, bright and aged and matured in its character – full of the rich colour and complexity which make stringed instruments from England so popular.

 

 

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