Heyndrick (II) Willems

History

Heyndrick (II) Willems (circa 1715-1745) was a maker in Ghent, Belgium, working approximately between 1715 and 1745. He is presumed to be the son of Hedrick Willems (I), according to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers. Cecie Stainer, in A Dictionary of Violin Makers, notes that he made a violoncello or bass with five strings, labelled 'Heyndrick Willems tot Ghendt, 1717.' Stainer also describes a violin dated 1743, which featured a belly made of carefully selected pine, a back of walnut, and sides of maple, which she considered 'very exceptional.' Dilworth further specifies that the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels, holds a cello from 1717 with a walnut back and ribs, and two violins dated 1743 attributed to him. Additionally, a pochette and a viol (currently strung as a lira viol with a new neck, walnut back, and maple ribs) are plausibly attributed to Heyndrick (II) Willems. Instruments made by the Willems family, including those by Heyndrick (II), are recognized for their genuine value and demonstrate great ability, often following the Amati pattern while incorporating characteristic touches that make their work easily recognizable.

Craft

• Materials: A violin dated 1743 featured a belly of carefully selected pine, a back of walnut, and sides of maple. A cello from 1717 had a back and ribs made of walnut. The wood used for the belly was always carefully selected.
• Design & Model: Instruments, particularly violins and violas, were worked very closely on a sophisticated Amati model, specifically that of Antonio and Girolamo Amati. Characteristic touches were given to the instruments, rendering their work easily recognizable.
• Archings: The arching on his instruments was always correctly calculated.
• Carving: Heads were finely carved and well proportioned.
• Varnish: The varnish sometimes exhibited a strong red tint and was of very good Italianate quality.

Influence

• Family Tradition: Heyndrick (II) Willems is presumed to be the son of Hedrick Willems (I), suggesting a familial influence on his craft.
• Stylistic Influence: He generally followed the Amati pattern, particularly that of Antonio and Girolamo Amati, for his instrument designs.

Legacy

• Museum Collections: The Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels holds several instruments attributed to Heyndrick (II) Willems, including a 1717 cello and two 1743 violins.
• Reputation: Instruments made by the Willems family, including those by Heyndrick (II), possess genuine value and demonstrate work of great ability, as noted by Cecie Stainer.

Further Information

• Working Period & Location: Heyndrick (II) Willems worked in Ghent, Belgium, approximately between 1715 and 1745.
• Labels: Known labels include 'Heyndrick Willems tot Ghendt, 1717' and 'Heyndrick Willems / tot Ghent, 1743'.

Summary

Heyndrick (II) Willems was a notable instrument maker active in Ghent, Belgium, from approximately 1715 to 1745. Presumed to be the son of Hedrick Willems (I), he crafted violins, violas, cellos, pochettes, and viols. His work is characterized by a close adherence to the sophisticated Amati model, particularly that of Antonio and Girolamo, combined with distinctive personal touches. He was meticulous in his material selection, using carefully chosen pine for bellies and walnut for backs and ribs, and his instruments featured finely carved heads, correctly calculated archings, and often a high-quality, reddish Italianate varnish. Examples of his work are preserved in the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, and his family's instruments are recognized for their significant value and skilled craftsmanship.