David Rattray examines a firm link between the Aberdeen and London schools of lutherie in the 18th century
Discover more lutherie articles here
The oldest known surviving Scottish cello was made by Robert Duncan, Aberdeen in 1756, this remarkable work was built for James Beattie, a key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment and professor at the Marischal College Aberdeen Duncan also held professional connections with Marischal College where archives reveal he was employed there from 1753 until 1781, his role entailed the maintenance and transportation of musical instruments.
His instruments are rare but labels indicate he was active as a luthier from around 1745 until 1780. An excellent craftsman and one of the best violin makers of the Aberdeen school. The WE Hill & Sons archives on British makers note two Duncan violins and a viola each dating from the 1750’s, his most prolific period: ‘the work of a property trained craftsman, instruments built on a Stainer form, dark brown varnish, scooped cheeks and inked purfling’
This description generally characterises eighteenth century violins of the Aberdeen school including those of the most successful violin maker, Duncan’s contemporary, the influential Joseph Ruddiman.
The ‘Aberdeen Stainer’ model is quite unlike the later Edinburgh, Cremonese styles, however, interestingly the Aberdeen model compares favourably with London work of the day, John Johnson, Henry Jay and Richard Duke come to mind while Duncan’s cello particularly recalls the full arched, dark varnished and painted purfled work of the successful Peter Wamsley, active Piccadilly, London during the first half of the eighteenth century. Duncan’s close working proximity to the Aberdeen Musical Society must have provided opportunities to observe Classical English and Italian instruments however the sophistication of his own work make it unlikely he was self-educated in lutherie however a prior knowledge of woodcarving can’t be ruled out.
A firm link between Aberdeen and London schools of lutherie comes through an advertisement published in the Aberdeen Press and Journal dated 25 February 1765 where Joseph Ruddiman, lists the range of instruments on offer and reveals his business activities however most significantly he claims in no uncertain terms to have trained in London with the ‘Best Hands’, given this information and based on a stylistic assessments this most likely is a reference to an apprenticeship or least some training, the most probable candidate for this is with Wamsley.
‘JOSEPH RUDDIMAN, In the Nether-kirk-gate, nigh the East Church, Aberdeen, who has been regularly bred by the Best Hands in London, in the Art of making VIOLINS of all Sorts, GUITARS, PSALTERIES, GERMAN FLUTEs and DULCIMERs, after the neatest and best Manner, gives this Notice to the publick, that he will use his utmost Endeavours in serving them on the most reasonable Terms, fattering himself, that his Care and Industry in executing, will enticle him to their Encouragement. He makes a sufficient Deduction in the Wholesale Way ; and Sells all Kinds of Strings for those instruments , which are also mended or repaired; and exchanges new ones for old.’
Read: Scotland’s oldest surviving cello to be heard in public for the first time since the 18th century
An exclusive range of instrument making posters, books, calendars and information products published by and directly for sale from The Strad.
The Strad’s exclusive instrument posters, most with actual-size photos depicting every nuance of the instrument. Our posters are used by luthiers across the world as models for their own instruments, thanks to the detailed outlines and measurements on the back.
The number one source for a range of books covering making and stringed instruments with commentaries from today’s top instrument experts.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
No comments yet