Arthur Edward Smith

History

Arthur Edward SMITH (1880-1978) was born in Islington, London, UK, and later died in Sydney, Australia. He was a self-taught maker of considerable achievement and influence, initially trained as an engineer and an amateur violinist. According to John Dilworth, Smith was inspired by the Hill's Stradivari, his Life and Work to take up violin making. From 1905 to 1909, he found work with a local repairer and dealer, C. W. Jefferies, in Maldon. Smith emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, in 1909. Between 1912 and 1914, he worked briefly with C. Rothammer in San Francisco, USA. He continued an association with Rothammer in Sydney, Australia, until Rothammer's return to San Francisco in 1919. Following this, Smith founded his independent business, A. E. Smith & Co Pty., Ltd, at 69 Hunter Street. His shop grew to be large and successful, moving to extensive premises at 9-11 Hunter Street in the 1930s, where it employed several craftsmen, imported instruments, and engaged in both making and restoring. During wartime, he also developed string making to alleviate shortages in Australia.

Craft

• Output: Arthur Edward Smith completed about twenty violins and a quartet during his early career, and later completed at least 250 instruments in total.
• Models: His instruments were made on good Stradivari and Guarneri models.
• Characteristics: His work is described as well-observed and beautifully made, possessing a distinct and honest personality.
• Materials: He utilized excellent imported tonewoods and a particularly fine and tender orange-brown oil varnish.
• Innovation: Smith developed string making to ease shortages in Australia during wartime.

Influence

• Inspiration: Arthur Edward Smith was inspired by the Hill's book Stradivari, his Life and Work to pursue violin making.
• Mentorship: He trained several leading Australian makers of the next generation, including C. Clarke, W. Dolphin, H. Vatilotis, and his daughter Kitty, who later succeeded him in the business.

Legacy

• Awards: Arthur Edward Smith was awarded a diploma of honour at The Hague in 1949.
• Recognition: He was appointed M.B.E. by the British Government for his services to music.
• Continuity: His daughter, Kitty, succeeded him in the family business, A. E. Smith & Co Pty., Ltd.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Arthur Edward Smith's business, A. E. Smith & Co Pty., Ltd, was initially located at 69 Hunter Street and later moved to extensive premises at 9-11 Hunter Street in Sydney.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Edward VII / no.3 A.E.Smith / Maldon / 1903", "Made by / A. E. Smith for / Jeffreys & Sons / Maldon. Essex. No.. 1906", "Edward VII / No. 8 A. E, Smith Maldon. 1901", and "Arthur E. Smith Sydney, 1924".

Summary

Arthur Edward Smith (1880-1978) was a highly influential and self-taught British-Australian luthier. Born in London, he was inspired by the Hill's work on Stradivari to pursue violin making. After working with C. W. Jefferies in England and C. Rothammer in the USA and Australia, he established his own successful firm, A. E. Smith & Co Pty., Ltd, in Sydney. His workshop became a significant center for instrument making, restoration, and import, and he trained several prominent Australian makers. Early in his career, William Meredith Morris noted him as "A young beginner whose work is full of excellent promise." Smith completed at least 250 instruments, known for their excellent craftsmanship, use of imported tonewoods, and fine orange-brown oil varnish, often based on Stradivari and Guarneri models. He was recognized for his contributions to music, receiving a diploma of honour at The Hague and an M.B.E. from the British Government.