Harry Vatiliotis 1974 Viola 16" Sydney

This viola was made by Harry Vatiliotis in Sydney, Australia, in 1974. Vatiliotis was born in Cyprus in 1936, and after immigrating to Australia in the 1950's began working with NSW Railways, before beginning an apprenticeship with A. E. Smith at 17. An immensely prolific maker, he has made almost a thousand instruments, and is well respected globally for his instruments. Within Australia, he is also well known for public projects such as the "Powerhouse Twins", an experiment with the Powerhouse Museum to determine how much violins develop over time due to being played in and their environment. 

This viola is labelled "C. A. Vatiliotis Maker / Sydney 1974" and bears his stamp. It measures 412mm along the back, 194mm across the upper bouts, and 241mm across the lower bouts. The back is in two pieces of lightly flamed maple, with a broad curl. The ribs and scroll have been made to match. The top is of a finely grained spruce and is finished in a red-brown varnish, and ebony fittings. It is in good condition.