Arthur Edward (A E) Smith (1880-1978) is considered the most important violin maker in Australia. In 1971 he was awarded an MBE for services to music. After learning to make violins in England, Smith settled in Australia. In 1912 he opened a violin repair shop in Sydney which soon became a hub of activity. His workshop established the careers of many other leading Australian violin makers such as Charles Clarke, William Dolphin, Harry Vatiliotis and his own daughter, Kitty Smith.

Smith used the best and most attractive timbers available and developed an oil varnish praised for its exceptional elasticity and transparency, the colour being acquired without impregnation of pigments. His violins are also prized for their excellence of tone and decorative elements such as the sound holes, scrolls and curves. Some of the world's top violinists admired and collected handmade Smith violins, including Yehudi Menuhin and Isaac Stern. This A E Smith violin was made in 1931. It is a copy of the 'Emperor Stradivari' owned by Jan Kubelik. Smith also made numerous Guarneri-type violins.

Violin and case, wood / metal / resin, Arthur Edward (A )E Smith, Sydney, 1931.

Violin (-1), body made from a redish yellow timber with no purfling,the back of the violin is constructed in on section, with vertical grain lines , the fingerboard, tuning pegs, tail piece and chin rest (-3) have all been finished in a black varnish. The bridge is of a light timber stamped "A.E SMITH" in black .
(-2) Case constructed from varnished woodwith faded blue felt lining.

Designer: Smith, Arthur Edward; Sydney

Maker: Smith, Arthur Edward; Sydney; 1931

See parts

H9058

780 mm

238 mm

120 mm