Viola by
Bernard Simon Fendt Sr.
London, c.1800
for Thomas Dodd
Bernhard Simon Fendt Sr. (b. 1769 – d. 1832) was born in Füssen, Germany but spent most of his life working in Paris and London. He trained with his uncle, François Fent, in Paris and worked with him there for thirteen years (1783 – 1796). François died in 1796 and the young Bernhard set off for London two years later.
In 1798, Fendt took up a position in the workshop of Thomas Dodd in Covent Garden, London. There he worked as both restorer and maker of new instruments along with fellow luthier John Lott. Fendt left the Dodd workshop and joined John Betts in 1809, working with him until 1825. At both Dodd and Betts workshops, Fendt produced extremely fine instruments built with great craftsmanship and understanding of the Cremonese forms of Amati and Stradivari which inspired his work. Fendt covered his instruments in a rich red-brown varnish which he became known for, and today his instruments are valued for their robust tone that competes with Italian instruments at a much higher price.
Dating from around 1800, this viola is incredibly well-preserved in nearly mint condition, and bears an original label of Thomas Dodd. Built on a beautiful broad Amati model and covered in Fendt’s signature gorgeous red-brown varnish, this viola projects a rich and sonorous tone with ample carrying power. We will be thrilled to place this viola with a deserving musician or collector.
Viola by
Bernard Simon Fendt Sr.
London, c.1800
for Thomas Dodd
Bernhard Simon Fendt Sr. (b. 1769 – d. 1832) was born in Füssen, Germany but spent most of his life working in Paris and London. He trained with his uncle, François Fent, in Paris and worked with him there for thirteen years (1783 – 1796). François died in 1796 and the young Bernhard set off for London two years later.
In 1798, Fendt took up a position in the workshop of Thomas Dodd in Covent Garden, London. There he worked as both restorer and maker of new instruments along with fellow luthier John Lott. Fendt left the Dodd workshop and joined John Betts in 1809, working with him until 1825. At both Dodd and Betts workshops, Fendt produced extremely fine instruments built with great craftsmanship and understanding of the Cremonese forms of Amati and Stradivari which inspired his work. Fendt covered his instruments in a rich red-brown varnish which he became known for, and today his instruments are valued for their robust tone that competes with Italian instruments at a much higher price.
Dating from around 1800, this viola is incredibly well-preserved in nearly mint condition, and bears an original label of Thomas Dodd. Built on a beautiful broad Amati model and covered in Fendt’s signature gorgeous red-brown varnish, this viola projects a rich and sonorous tone with ample carrying power. We will be thrilled to place this viola with a deserving musician or collector.