Amati > Makers Archive > P > Walter Plain

Walter Plain

Edinburgh, 1804–1880

Apprenticed as a cabinet maker in Edinburgh. Possibly trained by his neighbour in Brunswick Street, Robert Ballantyne, whose work his own resembles. Active in Glasgow from 1840. Fine work in classical styles. A few cellos known, but a prolific maker of violins. — John Dilworth
Worked Edinburgh
Made Violin
Looking to sell or value an instrument?

Request an expert valuation or learn how our global auctions achieve the highest prices for your instruments.

Auction Price History

Highest auction price

£2,415

4 results

Type Details Auction house Sold Price
Violin35.7 cm (head later)—March 2011£2,415
Violin1861—March 1992£1,034
Violin1871—September 1988£528
Violin1852—June 1987£330

Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

PLAIN, Walter Born 1804 Edinburgh, died 1880 Glasgow, Scotland UK. Apprenticed as a cabinet maker in Edinburgh. Possibly trained by his neighbour in Brunswick Street, Robert Ballantyne, whose work his own resembles. Active in Glasgow from 1840. Fine work in classical styles. A few cellos known, but a prolific maker of violins. His involvement with the well-known dealer David Laurie may have brought about his later use of shaded and antiqued varnish. Died in the Glasgow poorhouse. Branded internally: ‘Plain / Glasw.’ Walter Plain Glasgow, 1857 Walter Plain / Brunswick Place / Glasgow / 1862 [Rattray]

William Meredith Morris+

Stradivari model. The workmanship is good, but the varnish is a hard spirit one, and the tone loud and piercing. Label : —

WALTER PLANE, GLASGOW, 1860

Sell your instrument with Amati

Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.