|
The
Cooper Collection
of violins and stringed instruments
I
am often asked how the collection started, and the answer is… quite
unintentionally! Surprisingly, it began not with a violin but with
a bow. In 1953 I was called in to clear up the estate of the well known
Brighton firm of W.H. Tibbalds after the sad demise of Bert Tibbalds.
Lodged behind the work bench was a bow by J.B. Vuillaume, it had
obviously been there a long time, probably lost during the war years.
More out of respect for the family, and with their permission, I decided
to keep this fine example of French work. However, it was at least
another ten years or so before it became possible to form even the
nucleus of a collection of instruments. Having published two volumes of
the collection that include instruments by Amati, Guarneri, & Tononi and
bows by Tubbs, Dodd and Panormo I am now pleased to make the third and final part
available on this web site.
I
like to think of it now as a working collection and these publications
as a reference for those, who like myself, are fascinated and deeply
involved in the subject of "Instruments played with a Bow."
|
Albert Cooper 2004 |
|
|
Before his
death in 2007, Albert Cooper established the Albert Cooper Music
Charitable Trust, which supports talented young musicians in the
UK, either by helping them to fund the purchase of an
instrument, or by making a contribution towards tuition. A
large portion of the proceeds from the Albert Cooper collection
will benefit the Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust.
Dear Reader,
STOLEN VIOLINS
It is with great sadness to report
that 4 instruments have been stolen from the estate of the
late Albert Cooper’s collection of fine instruments. They
are illustrated in Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 of his books ‘The
Cooper Collection.’
Violin by Alfonso Della Corta
Vol. 1 - page 52
Violin by David Tecchlar
Vol. 1 - page 160
Violin by Joannes Maria Valenzano
Vol. 1 - page 184
Violin by Lorenzo Storioni
Vol. 2 - page 160
If anyone has come into contact with
them; has been offered the chance to purchase them or any
information at all which would lead to their recovery,
please ring 01243 814411 or email
sunnybox61@aol.com.
It is extremely important that they are recovered; under the
terms of Albert’s Will there are 3 charities which are to
benefit from the proceeds of their sale.
Yours sincerely
Celia Willitt [executor of Albert
Cooper]
|
|
1913 - 2007
|
