 Ultra-Violet Fluorescence photography reveals losses of original varnish and subsequent retouching. |
· Selection of fine violins for
musicians, investors, collectors, and institutions
· Condition and damage reports for
appraisals and insurance claims
· Scientific dating and material
analysis
· Technical documentation and
photography
· Conservation
· Collection care and administration
· Investment enhancement through public relations,
publication, and loans to distinguished soloists, orchestras, and non-profit
institutions such as conservatories and museums |
X-ray of a viola showing filled
woodworm galleries, patches, and cleats. |
|
Heavily patched and cleated Stradivari violin. Considerable amounts of original wood are removed in certain types of restoration work. |
Section of graph used in dating and authenticating a violin by dendrochronology. Lower data points are mean year-ring widths from a master Alpine spruce chronology; upper data points are year-ring widths measured (in millimeters) from a Stradivari violin labeled 1707. In this instrument, the last year-ring grew in 1695, which is consistent with the date on the violin’s label. |
Violin undergoing restoration |
An endoscope can be used to explore the interior of a violin to check for hidden repairs.
|
Gas chromatography
of varnish from a French instrument ca. 1770.
Primary components in this sample are shellac and a drying oil. |
©Violin Advisor LLC. Stewart Pollens 2008