Peter Schulz

History

Peter SCHULZ (1808-1871) was a maker in Ratisbon (Regensburg), Germany. Born in 1808, he died in 1871 in Regensburg. According to Cecie Stainer, he exhibited three excellent violins in Munich in 1854, which were made more after a German than Italian pattern. John Dilworth confirms his birth and death dates and location. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that Schulz was the successor to his teacher's business, operating it in the same house (Pfarrergasse E. 149 II), ensuring the violin making tradition continued there for 73 years. He is considered one of the outstanding German violin makers.

Craft

• Workmanship: Cecie Stainer noted one of his exhibited violins had especially beautiful workmanship, though its tone was not as clear and pure. John Dilworth describes his workmanship as very precise. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff highlights his splendid wood (Prachtvolles Holz) and impeccable work (tadellose Arbeit).
• Models: He worked primarily after Stradivari, Guarneri, and Maggini models, as stated by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. John Dilworth also mentions copies of Stradivari and Guarneri.
• Varnish: John Dilworth describes his varnish as shaded, in the style of Vuillaume, with appropriate colors and good soft consistency. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes he applied a rich oil varnish (fetten Öllack).
• Materials: John Dilworth mentions fine materials. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff emphasizes his splendid wood (Prachtvolles Holz).
• Instrument Types: Besides violins, he was also considered one of the best guitar and zither makers, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Influence

• Teachers: He was a pupil of J. Fischer in Regensburg, as noted by John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Work Experience: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states he worked with Vauchel in Würzburg, Bausch in Dessau, and in Rotterdam, probably with the Coenen brothers.
• Mentorship: He took on X. Kerschensteiner as a pupil and later partnered with him in 1865.

Legacy

• Succession: He partnered with his pupil X. Kerschensteiner in 1865, who became his successor.
• Workshop Continuity: His business continued in the same house (Pfarrergasse E. 149 II) for 73 years, ensuring an uninterrupted tradition of violin making.
• Recognition: He received many medals between 1854 and 1869.
• Preservation: His best instruments were still in the possession of his pupil and successor, X. Kerschensteiner.

Further Information

• Branding & Labels: Instruments were branded below the back button with 'P. Schulz'. Labels included 'Petrus Schulz, fecit / Ratisbonae anno 1830', 'Petrus Schulz Ratisbonensis / faciebat anno 18..', and 'Petrus Schulz, Chittar- und Gei / genmacher in Regensburg / anno 18..'
• Workshop Location: His workshop was located at Pfarrergasse E. 149 II in Regensburg.

Summary

Peter SCHULZ (1808-1871) was a highly regarded German violin maker from Regensburg, a pupil of J. Fischer. He was known for his precise and beautiful workmanship, using fine materials and shaded oil varnish in the style of Vuillaume. He crafted violins primarily after Stradivari, Guarneri, and Maggini models, and was also skilled in making guitars and zithers. His workshop, located at Pfarrergasse E. 149 II, continued for 73 years through his successor and pupil, X. Kerschensteiner. Schulz received numerous medals for his work between 1854 and 1869.