Bellini "Lord Wilton" Violin

Bellini "Lord Wilton" Violin

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Description
This violin was made by Luiz Bellini of Jackson Heights, New York in 1973. Bellini was born in Brazil in 1935. He first trained as a wood worker and later by a local violin maker. In order to advance his violin making skills, Bellini was encouraged to come to New York City in 1960. He trained with Simone Sacconi for two years and later became an American citizen.
This violin is a replica of the "Lord Wilton" violin made Guarneri del Gesu in 1742. The original “Lord Wilton” was owned and played by virtuoso violinist Yehudi Menuhin. This vioin is made of a two-piece table of spruce, one-piece back of maple, ribs of similar maple, an original maple neck, and a semi-transparent golden orange-brown varnish.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
violin
Date made
1967
date made
1973
maker
Bellini, Luiz
Place Made
United States: New York, Queens, Jackson Heights
Measurements
overall: 23 5/8 in x 8 1/8 in x 3 3/4 in; 60.0075 cm x 20.6375 cm x 9.525 cm
ID Number
2002.0330.01
accession number
2002.0330
catalog number
2002.0330.01
Credit Line
Gift of Ruggiero Ricci
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Violins
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

Thank you for the kind words Aubrey Murphy. My father died from Oral Cancer on June 3, 2015, funny thing was he never smoked... My father LOVED his work, until the very end, he worked to the best of his abilities on his beloved violins. All my life I have always admired his dedication and outstanding mastery of violin making. I would spend time with him in his workshop, watching and learning wonderful techniques to work with wood. It was a treat to watch him work and to see simple wood pieces convert to amazing pieces of art. He enjoyed helping anyone that needed violin care, enjoyed talking about violins, and always in pursuit of perfecting methods to achieve the highest level of work. My Dad was kind and warm with everyone, we all miss him very much. He was a wonderful man!

Walter Bellini

Tue, 2018-04-10 08:55

I didn't know that Bellini had a son, and I am so surprised to get a response from you Walter. Nice to meet you here. I was just talking to the closest of friends about your Dads violin tonight, that I now own and curate. That is why I saw this because I was going to send him the link. I have played all sorts of great fiddles, enjoyed them and have fallen in and out of love with them, but this 1977 Bellini is the one I look at every night in admiration. I adore it, and it likes me back too. So comfortable, sonorous and full of character. I would be hard pressed to find anything that I could enjoy more. It has its moments, but generally, it is incredibly giving and reliable. I know what to expect from it at all times. It has the sound of an old yet fresh Cremona violin. That is the best way I can describe it. Identical to the one on this museum site, it is a looker in fantastic condition. I never stop getting questions about it. My big regret is not having met your Father. I know that he was Sacconi's favorite student, and that is not a surprise. Sacconi is my other aspirational maker in fact. Suffice to say, I give thanks and praise for your Father's life. His creation makes me a happy man every day. Very best wishes, Aubrey

Aubrey Murphy

Thu, 2018-05-10 09:01

Still saddened by his death some 2 years on, as I wanted to meet him and have been a huge admirer of his work since I first happened upon his instrument in the 1980's. I was fortunate to acquire a 1977 Lord Wilton bench copy almost identical to the afore mentioned. I just adore everything about it, the sound, its masterly construction and its beautiful appearance. Most importantly, enshrined within it is this gentle mans soul living on as he intended it to.

Aubrey Murphy

Mon, 2017-07-03 16:28

"Regrettably Mr. Bellini passed away June 4, 2015."

Steve Eddy

Sun, 2015-06-07 12:31

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