Rushworth and Dreaper violin, Liverpool, 1930

Rushworth and Dreaper, founded in 1828, were makers and dealers in violins, employing a large staff of luthiers under the direction of William Henry Bird, as well as importing instruments from good workshops in Europe. This German-made “Artist Apollo” violin is one of their more prestigious models, and has a full, resonant, characterful tone, evenness over all four strings and an open projection in the higher registers. The edges and corners are elegantly carved, and the back is of beautifully flamed maple, enhanced by a warm brown varnish. The violin will make a great instrument for a student keen to advance through the upper grades.