Lawrence Cocker
Derby, 1908–1982
Self taught. Ingenious and innovative maker of violins and bows. Highly respected and admired by colleagues in English violin trade. Diploma of Honour at The Hague 1949. Began using commercial Millington varnish, but later developed his own cooked copal recipe with a deep rust-brown tint. Closely in\u{2026} — John Dilworth
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
55 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viola | Lot 141 | Bonhams | August 2013 | £1,000 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 76 g. | — | September 2011 | £360 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58 g. | — | December 2010 | £54 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Derby, 1951 | — | October 2010 | £633 |
| Viola | 43.0 cm Derby, 1950 | — | March 2010 | £600 |
| Viola Bow | N/E 66 g. | — | March 2010 | £240 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62 g. | — | June 2009 | £204 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Derby, 1948 | — | March 2009 | £1,440 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm 1973 | — | June 2008 | £372 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Derby, 1950 | — | December 2007 | £647 |
| Cello Bow | S/E --- also stamped "pat no 903574" | — | September 2007 | £264 |
| Viola | 42.8 cm Derby, 1955 'Tertis' model | — | May 2007 | £2,167 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 60 g. Cane | — | February 2007 | £153 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Derby 1973 Sold with cane bow by same maker | — | November 2006 | £1,059 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 77 g. | — | February 2005 | £179 |
| Viola | 43.1 cm Derby, 1950 | — | February 2004 | £382 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 80 g. | — | November 2003 | £353 |
| Violin | 1950 | — | November 2003 | £1,293 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 55 g. | — | July 2003 | £115 |
| Viola | 43.1 cm 1950 | — | September 2001 | £431 |
| Viola | 42.8 cm 1954 | — | March 2001 | £1,440 |
| Viola | 45.7 cm 1958 | — | September 2000 | £690 |
| Viola | 42.7 cm 1955 | — | June 2000 | £805 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 68 g. | — | March 1999 | £400 |
| Violin | 1968 | — | November 1998 | £1,265 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 63 g. | — | October 1997 | £90 |
| Cello Bow | S/E | — | May 1996 | £230 |
| Cello | 1968 | — | February 1996 | £3,680 |
| Viola | 42.9 cm 1955 | — | June 1995 | £1,035 |
| Viola | 42.1 cm 1971 | — | March 1995 | £1,840 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 68 g. | — | March 1995 | £299 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 69 g. | — | November 1994 | £460 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 72 g. | — | August 1994 | £322 |
| Viola | 42.9 cm 1956 | — | June 1994 | £862 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 77 g. | — | November 1992 | £310 |
| Violin Bow | S/E | — | September 1992 | £308 |
| Viola | 43.0 cm 1957 | — | June 1990 | £990 |
| Viola | 42.9 cm 1955 | — | March 1990 | £2,090 |
| Violin | 1936 | — | November 1989 | £330 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 69 g. | — | October 1989 | £114 |
| Viola | 42.9 cm 1955 | — | June 1989 | £990 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 67 g. | — | May 1989 | £165 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 60 g. | — | April 1989 | £220 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 67 g. | — | January 1989 | £352 |
| Violin | 1836 | — | January 1989 | £242 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 59 g. | — | September 1988 | £110 |
| Viola | 43.2 cm 1957 | — | January 1988 | £600 |
| Violin | 1961 | — | January 1988 | £620 |
| Viola Bow | G/E 72 g. | — | January 1987 | £187 |
| Violin | 1957 | — | October 1986 | £440 |
| Violin | 1964 | — | September 1986 | £506 |
| Violin | 1973 | — | March 1986 | £682 |
| Violin | 1959 | — | March 1986 | £660 |
| Violin | 1961 | — | November 1983 | £537 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 75 g. | — | November 1982 | £86 |
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Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
COCKER, Lawrence Born 1908, died 1982 Derby UK. Self taught. Ingenious and innovative maker of violins and bows. Highly respected and admired by colleagues in English violin trade. Diploma of Honour at The Hague 1949. Began using commercial Millington varnish, but later developed his own cooked copal recipe with a deep rust-brown tint. Closely involved with Lionel Tertis in developing the ‘Tertis Model’ viola, a large pattern that has not sustained general interest. His violins are very well made, using charming evolutions of classical models. Well-proportioned and attractive instruments. Developed the ‘split cane’ bow, adapting techniques used in the making of fishing rods as an alternative to pernambuco wood. These were much appreciated by students in the time before cheaper composite materials came into widespread use by the end of the 20th century. Manuscript label: Made for Mr – / by / Laurence Cocker / Derby 1949
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