James Briggs Workshop Scottish Cello, Glasgow 1920 (SC01) SOLD

James Briggs Workshop Scottish Cello, Glasgow 1920 (SC01) SOLD

Please inquire about price.

This is a wonderful cello made in 1920 in Glasgow, Scotland and from the James Briggs workshop, one of Scotland’s finest makers. It is in good condition with two minor professionally repaired table cracks, neither in the sound post or bass bar areas. It is a beautiful deep auburn in color and the flamed back is breathtakingly beautiful. The overall quality of workmanship is very high. The sound volume and projection are very good and the tone is excellent, of soloist quality. The instrument is labelled and signed internally twice by Briggs and also initialed by him in four places.

This instrument was made towards the tail end of Briggs career at a time when his son Henry and Philip Schreiber, a skilled employee were heavily involved in production. It is likely that this cello is a collaboration of the three luthiers with Briggs approving it with his signature. It is also a darker varnish than earlier work, perhaps reflecting the dark mood of the nation following the catastrophe of WW1. Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, the moving post war elegy was written around this time.

The length of back: 755 mm.

James Briggs (1855-1935)

James Briggs was born in Wakefield, England and apprenticed under William Tarr. At the age of 21 he set up his own business in Wakefield, before moving his business up to Glasgow in 1893. His early work is of a lesser quality but he improved rapidly winning a gold medal at the Leeds exhibition in 1890, followed by diplomas from Paris & Vienna. Briggs went on to become recognized as one of Scotland’s finest string instrument makers, his work being commissioned by top players of the time.

In 1932 Briggs was commissioned to make a replica of the famous 15th century Queen Mary Harp in the National Museum of Scotland. James’ copy is now on display in Urquhart Castle. His son Henry continued in the luthier tradition and become renowned for his harps. For more information about James Briggs follow this link.

High resolution photos can be sent on request.