HART, GEORGE
Born in Wardour Street, London, 1839. Son of John. Died 1891. Inherited enthusiasm of his parent for collecting the finest master-pieces of violin art. Studied violin playing with Prosper Sainton at the Royal Academy and was a very capable performer. Also a good pianist – in fact a thoroughly excellent musician. A man of extensive culture intimate with all celebrities in all the arts and sciences. Recognised as the head of European connoisseurs. Bought many private collections of instruments. Had the faculty (encouraged by innumerable opportunities of violin comparison), of deciphering genuine and otherwise labels, differentiating and authenticating every instrument. Also had a ready pen to describe and accurately elucidate the results of his keen powers of observation. Author of “The Violin and its Makers” (Schott), and “The Violin and its Players”. The first especially authoritative, and universally referred to.
HART, GEORGE
Son of the preceding. Born 1860. More of a connoisseur than an actual maker (though trained in Paris), and followed up the honourable traditions of his predecessors. Established in Wardour Street, London, where he had reason to be proud of the past, and gained confidence from all classes of violinists, amateurs, and collectors in the present. His personality, independent thought, and vast opportunities of handling valuable instruments, caused all violin enthusiasts to regard him as one occupying the highest estate in his particular domain. Employed a staff of skilled workmen (French and English), and we believe they greatly participated (if not entirely) in the construction of instruments labelled “Hart and Son”, a junction of labour perfectly justified by results. Outline, arching, and entire contour truly harmonious, together with all possible accuracy of detail, but no outstanding individuality for future generations to particularise. Finely executed scroll, somewhat deeply carved. Edges beautifully rounded, completely in the Italian style. Full margins at 1/8th of an inch beyond the purfling. Purfling of course, perfection itself. Sound-holes delineated quite artistically. Finest grain spruce, and the most picturesque maple. Golden-red oil varnish of delightful transparency. Tonal quality excellent, though unavoidably new. £80, 1959.
Hart & Son
Makers
28 Wardour Street
18 London 90
(decorative border and square lettering)
Number of each instrument written. Also faithful reproductions of celebrated violins.
Exact Copy of “The Betts”
Stradivari, date 1704.
Hart & Son
Makers
28 Wardour Street
18 London 90
Specially featured the making of bows. Magnificent sticks combining the balance and elasticity of any of the old French. Mounted in gold and tortoise-shell. £12. In silver, £4. £25, 1959.