Description
A fine English viola by William Forster (II), London, circa 1780-90
Labelled with an indistinct date, and additionally labeled ‘A.Forster’ on the interior.
William Forster II was violin maker to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cumberland, hence his reputation as “Royal Forster”, the finest maker of the family dynasty. This viola made around 1780 is a fine and typical example of his work. The pattern shows a very high degree of observation of Jacob Stainer’s violas from the 1660s period with a characteristically low but bold arching that is very different from the cliched Stainer modelling copied by most London makers of the eighteenth century, and indicates first hand knowledge of Stainer’s work, as to be expected of so prominent a maker and dealer. Nonetheless, the 40cm model is of his own design which is long by comparison to most English violas of the period, and within the standards required for professional playing. The narrow body doesn’t seem to effect the tone of the instrument, and makes it a light and versatile instrument to play. Some minor varnish restorations, but overall in excellent condition.
Internally the viola bears a label “A.Forster”. From the Forster account books we know that various family members and employees assisted in the production of instruments. It would seem that this instrument was made by one as yet unrecorded Andrew Forster within the workshop at the time that William Forster II was the head of the family firm, or alternatively that Simon Andrew Forster was identified by his middle name. Forster instruments are nevertheless identified properly by the head of the firm at the time they were made, and the finishing was overall consistent enough that it is not possible to identify the hand of the craftsman in the workshop, even in cases where the instrument is numbered and the account books state who the maker was. The presence of this label substantially adds to our understanding of the Forster organisation.
Length of back: 400mm
Certificate: Benjamin Hebbert
Condition notes: The viola is in a very good state of preservation.
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