Richard Duke Viola 15" London Early 18th Century

This viola was made by Richard Duke in the mid 18th century in London. One of the most prolific English luthiers of his time, Duke began his career in London in 1743, over time expanding his business to several different workshops and employing makers such as William Napier and John Betts. Duke's making followed a number of different styles over the course of his life, with his early work often being reminiscent of another English maker Peter Wamsley, with whom Duke might have studied. He was also well-versed with models of Stainer, Amati, and Stradivarius, and was noted to be an early proponent of copying instruments from the Cremonese school.

This viola is branded "Duke / London" below the button on the back. The body measures 379mm along the back, 189mm across the upper bouts and 236mm across the lower bouts. It has a one-piece back of lightly flamed maple, with a wide variety of curl, from a rather tight curl at the top to a much broader curl near the bottom. It has matching ribs and scroll, and the top is of a finely grained spruce. The varnish is red-brown, and it has rosewood pegs, and an ebony tailpiece and chinrest. The viola is in good, restored condition, with some wear on the edges of the bouts, characteristic of instruments of this age. 

This viola has a very rounded and resonant tone, with quick, easy response and a relatively light action. It is suited to players of a tertiary level or higher, and would work especially well in chamber and orchestral environments. 

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this beautiful viola.