In May 1893, local lovers of music were interested to hear that Mr Watt of High Blantyre had been passed a very special violin for repair.
The violin to Mr Watt’s astonishment was dated 1671 and turned out to be made by Francesco Rugeri, the renowned instrument maker! There was a nervous feeling in handling a musical instrument which even in 1893, was valued at £1,500, a sum of over £300,000 in today’s money!
The instrument was beautiful by all accounts and in splendid preservation. A violin of the same make was sold in a previous year for around £1,333.
It is rare these classical gems make an appearance to the public and in interests of security, Mr Watt was very select in who he told about the instrument, whilst it was in his care. It’s unknown how the violin came to Blantyre to be repaired, but the owner must certainly have had great confidence in Mr Watt.
Pictured by David Ritchie is a violinist thought to have been taken in Blantyre, but of course, I’m not suggesting that’s the famous violin of the article but its a great picture!
