Menu

Bernhard Simon Fendt I

Bernhard Simon Fendt was the first member of his prolific and influential family to become established in London. He was born in Füssen in southern Germany in 1769 and worked with his uncle François Fent in Paris between 1783 and 1796. In 1798 he moved to London to join the workshop of Thomas Dodd, working with John Frederick Lott (I). In 1809 Dodd moved his premises, and Fendt joined the shop of John Betts in the Royal Exchange. Betts was the most significant figure in the London violin trade at that time and Fendt made many very fine instruments for him, bringing a much more sophisticated approach than had previously existed in England. He fell out with Betts in 1825 and subsequently worked in partnership with Betts’ nephew Charles Vernon. Very little of his work carries his own label, but his violins, violas and cellos, with the labels of the various businessmen he served, are amongst the finest made in London in this period.

Bernhard Simon Fendt I

(b Füssen, 1769; d London, 1826)

Bernhard Simon Fendt was the first member of his prolific and influential family to become established in London. He was born in Füssen in southern Germany in 1769 and worked with his uncle François Fent in Paris between 1783 and 1796. In 1798 he moved to London to join the workshop of Thomas Dodd, working with John Frederick Lott (I). In 1809 Dodd moved his premises, and Fendt joined the shop of John Betts in the Royal Exchange. Betts was the most significant figure in the London violin trade at that time and Fendt made many very fine instruments for... Read more

Instruments we have sold by this maker > Looking to buy or sell an instrument by this maker > Articles >

Instruments for sale in our Private Sales

A cello by Bernard Simon Fendt I

London, circa 1800-1809

Born in Füssen in 1769, Bernard Simon Fendt studied with his uncle François in Paris and settled in London in 1798. There he worked for Thomas Dodd until 1809 and... read more

A cello by Bernard Simon Fendt I

London, circa 1800-1809

Born in Füssen in 1769, Bernard Simon Fendt studied with his uncle François in Paris and settled in London in 1798. There he worked for Thomas Dodd until 1809 and then for John Betts, making some of the finest English instruments of the period. This beautifully preserved cello is a representative example of his best work, based on a Stradivari model.

The cello is in excellent playing order and does not disappoint in terms of its sound and colours.
View in Private Sales

Instruments we have sold by this maker

Articles

The Golden Age of English Cello Making – Part II

02 August 2023 - Dilworth, John

In our final article on the subject of English cellos, John Dilworth examines a superbly preserved cello by Bernard Simon Fendt Sr.

Read more

Looking to Buy or Sell an Instrument by this Maker?

Selling with Ingles & Hayday

We offer buyers and sellers a bespoke private sale service, sourcing exceptional instruments and bows and matching them with the most discerning buyers.

More Information

Buying at Ingles & Hayday

Tim 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.

Enquire

Written Valuations & Certificates

Tim 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.

Read more

    Buying at Ingles & Hayday

    We hold two auctions a year at Sotheby’s in London, generally in March and October. We also have a selection of instruments and bows for private sale all year round. Please contact us for more information.

    Ingles & Hayday would like to send you information about our events and services, by post, telephone and email. If you agree to being contacted in this way, please tick the relevant box.

    Back to Notable Sales