Wilfred G. Saunders

John Dilworth

SAUNDERS, Wilfred G. Born 1928 Nottingham, d.2004 West Bridgford UK. Self-taught maker, after apprenticeship as a joiner. Followed Heron-Allen’s book Violin Making as it was and is. Established professionally in West Bridgford from 1949. Involved in the design and production of the Tertis model viola, a large and unwieldy instrument commissioned by the violist Lionel Tertis. Developed his own model for violins and violas derived from Guarneri patterns, generally wide across the centre bouts, with small corners and lavish Guarnerian soundholes, all immaculately finished and with his own meticulously polished oil varnish. Used a French-style exterior mould exclusively. A violist himself, he was a prolific maker of that instrument, but also completed 52 violins and five cellos, each individually named. Taught at the Newark School of Violin Making, as well as his own regular summer schools and evening classes. Remembered by many students as a gifted, inspiring, and practical teacher.