Peter Hardie

History

Peter Hardie (born 1773 or 1775, died 1863) was a Scottish instrument maker. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his birth year, with Cecie Stainer stating 1773, while John Dilworth and William Meredith Morris indicate 1775. He died in 1863, specifically in November according to Morris, and was buried in Dowally churchyard, Perthshire. Hardie was the son of an army surgeon and was born, probably abroad, before settling in Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland UK. He was known as "Highland Hardie" and possessed a unique personality and great physique. Beyond his craft, Hardie was an excellent violinist and also composed music.

Craft

• Instruments: Peter Hardie produced numerous violins and violoncellos.
• Tone Quality: His instruments, particularly his violoncellos, are noted for their especially fine tone.
• Model and Arching: His model is described by William Meredith Morris as a compromise between that of Amati and Stainer. He sometimes followed the lines of his cousin, Matthew Hardie, but generally exaggerated his arch. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his work is very similar to Matthew Hardie's, but his arching is much higher and the execution less careful. John Dilworth describes some of his instruments as "unrefined" of Stainer type, sometimes made without purfling.
• Scrolls: The scrolls on his instruments are reminiscent of those by Ruddiman, according to Lütgendorff.
• Marking: Instead of a paper label, Hardie typically used a brand mark stamped under the button, reading 'P. Hardie'.

Influence

• Education: Peter Hardie studied in Edinburgh.
• Mentorship: He was influenced by his cousin, Matthew Hardie, to dedicate himself to violin making. He subsequently became a pupil of both Matthew Hardie and Willie Blair.
• Musical Training: He was also a pupil of the renowned violinist Neil Gow.

Further Information

• Burial Place: Peter Hardie was buried in Dowally churchyard, Perthshire.
• Personality: He was known for his unique personality and great physique.

Summary

Peter Hardie (born 1773 or 1775, died 1863) was a Scottish violin and violoncello maker from Dunkeld, Perthshire. He was the son of an army surgeon and was known as "Highland Hardie." Hardie was an accomplished violinist and composer, and his violoncellos are particularly noted for their excellent tone. He studied in Edinburgh and was a pupil of his cousin Matthew Hardie, Willie Blair, and violinist Neil Gow. His instrument models often combined elements of Amati and Stainer, featuring a higher arch than his cousin's work, and he marked his instruments with a brand 'P. Hardie' under the button.