Violin by A.E. Smith, Sydney c.1962

A.E. (Arthur Edward) Smith was a self-taught British maker who emigrated to Australia and established a highly successful shop in Sydney in 1919. His instruments are generally based on Stradivari and Guarneri models, but are not copies and can feature an eclectic mix of styles. His wood, thought to have been imported with him from the UK, is usually of the first quality.

In 1961, Smith had suffered a stroke – which had a profound impact on his craftsmanship in the years after, and until his passing in 1978. It was also around this time when Smith’s shop, situated on Hunter street in the modern Sydney CBD would close down, and this incredible violin-making pedigree was passed down through Smith’s daughter, Kitty, and her son, Roderick. This violin, modelled after Guarneri Del Gesu, was crafted in some years after Smith’s first stroke – which impacted the motor-skills on the right-hand side of his body. Even still, Smith completed a handful of instruments in this period known as ‘post-stroke’. One of our team members, who was fortunate enough to play-test a violin made by A.E. Smith prior to 1961, remarks that while the sound quality is expectedly different, the response and ease with which this instrument plays is well deserving of the value placed upon Smith’s instruments as a whole.

Smith’s work is respected and sought-after by both discerning players and collectors on an international scale – and owning this instrument is as much of a privilege to play, as well as being a compounding financial investment.  Please contact us if you would like to view and play this stunning instrument for yourself.