Ernst Kessler

History

Ernst Kessler (1856-1931) was born in 1856 in Markneukirchen and died in 1931 in Berlin.

He was a pupil of August Voigt (also referred to as Albin Voigt) and Ludwig Otto (also referred to as Louis Otto).

He worked for August Riechers in Berlin, starting in 1874, and it was with these two masters that he truly learned his art from the ground up.

After completing his military service, he returned to Riechers in 1880 and established himself independently in Charlottenburg, Berlin, from 1882.

Through diligence, he quickly gained recognition, and after Riechers' death, he succeeded him as the principal repairer for the Hochschule (Conservatorium) in Berlin.

Craft

• Model: He primarily copied the Stradivari model from the years 1696 to 1723, though he often varied the model.
• Materials: He used beautiful, old wood and a good varnish.
• Workmanship: His instruments are praised for their perfect execution and good tone, and he was known for his extreme precision in painstaking work.
• Imitation: He possessed the skill to imitate old masterpieces.
• Bow Making: He also enjoyed a reputation as a bow maker.

Influence

• Teachers: He was a pupil of August Voigt (also known as Albin Voigt) and Ludwig Otto (also known as Louis Otto).
• Employers: He worked for August Riechers in Berlin.

Legacy

• Awards: He received several awards for his workmanship, including the royal Prussian State Medal in silver in 1897.
• Recognition: His new violins were purchased by Professor Joachim for stipends (Joachim Stipendium).

Further Information

• Workshop Location: He established his independent workshop in Charlottenburg, Berlin, from 1882.
• Branding: His instruments were sometimes branded with 'E.K' or 'Joachim Stipendium', and his name was also burned in under the label.

Summary

Ernst Kessler (1856-1931) was a German violin and bow maker born in Markneukirchen and active in Berlin.

He trained under August Voigt and Ludwig Otto, and worked for August Riechers before establishing his own workshop in Charlottenburg in 1882.

Kessler succeeded Riechers as the principal repairer for the Berlin Hochschule and was known for his finely made instruments, often copying the Stradivari model, using good materials, and earning several awards for his workmanship.