Lot 126
A viola by George Craske
(b Bury St Edmunds, 1795; d Bath, 1888)
Bury St. Edmunds, circa 1880
Notable Sales: George Craske
Born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, in 1795, George Craske trained with William Forster in London and later worked for Thomas Dodd. He subsequently moved to Bath, Leeds and Sheffield before settling in Birmingham for some twenty years. He then moved again to Manchester, Salford and Stockport, before finally returning to Bath, where he died in 1888. In later life he was supported by investments he had made in the railway industry and he worked undisturbed and on his own terms without the necessity of selling his work. He is thought to have made well over 2,500 violins, violas, cellos and double basses, many of which were found in his home after his death in 1888, and subsequently purchased and resold by W.E. Hill & Sons, bearing labels with both the Hill and Craske names. His work, particularly from the first half of his career, can be exceptionally good, if a little robust in character, with fine red varnish and good materials. In later years the quality deteriorated, and many instruments were refinished by the Hills, many requiring new heads to be made, a part of the work that Craske apparently found uninteresting.
(b Bury St Edmunds, 1795; d Bath, 1888)
Born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, in 1795, George Craske trained with William Forster in London and later worked for Thomas Dodd. He subsequently moved to Bath, Leeds and Sheffield before settling in Birmingham for some twenty years. He then moved again to Manchester, Salford and Stockport, before finally returning to Bath, where he died in 1888. In later life he was supported by investments he had made in the railway industry and he worked undisturbed and on his own terms without the necessity of selling his work. He is thought to have made well over 2,500 violins, violas, cellos... Read more
Lot 126
(b Bury St Edmunds, 1795; d Bath, 1888)
Bury St. Edmunds, circa 1880
£5,000-8,000
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More InformationTim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow to recommend an auction estimate and reserve price.
EnquireTim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow. At this stage, the assessment is free and without obligation. In the first instance, we suggest submitting good-quality images to us, preferably by email to info@ingleshayday.com or by completing the valuation form.
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