Vuillaume ‘Evangelists’ quartet sell for record amount

ARTICLE EXTRACT

A quartet of instruments made by the luthier Jean Baptiste Vuillaume sold at auction for £960,000 on 15 March.

The two violins, viola and cello are named after the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, with corresponding carved tailpieces depicting each saint.

Tim Ingles, who conducted the auction, said: ‘”The ‘Evangelists” have been bought by an Asian collector who, I am delighted to say, understands their historical value as a set, giving the opportunity for future generations to appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship.’