The Modern Renaissance of W. E. Hill & Sons

A Storied Legacy

Since 1762, the Hill name has represented a combination of exceptional craftsmanship and the highest standards of expertise. W. E. Hill & Sons, established in 1880 by William Ebsworth Hill and his four sons, has become synonymous with excellence in violin & bow making, and restoration. The firm's roots trace back even further, intertwining with the evolution of string instrument craftsmanship in England.

The Hill family's early legacy is documented in notable historical records, such as Samuel Pepys’ diary entries from 1660, referencing Mr. Hill’s expertise in altering and stringing instruments. By 1742, Joseph Hill was working with Peter Wamsley in Piccadilly, later establishing his own business at Angel Court, Westminster, in 1756, and moving to Haymarket in 1762 under "The Harp and Flute" sign. Joseph Hill's sons, William, Benjamin, and Joseph Jr., were accomplished violin makers and musicians who performed in the Orchestra of the First Handel Commemoration in 1784.

The Hill Workshop

The Hill workshop became a beacon of innovation and expertise. Located in London, it was here that the famous Hill bows were made. The Hill family were connoisseurs of fine string instruments, providing appraisals, restorations, and dealing in rare and valuable instruments. Their work on instruments by Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù set a benchmark for quality and precision.

Notable milestones include the move to New Bond Street in 1888, the publication of industry-standard books on Maggini, Stradivarius, and Guarneri between 1892 and 1931, and the donation of the "The Messiah" Stradivari and other instruments to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford in 1940. The firm's reputation was further cemented with the acquisition of fine instruments and relocation to Havenfields in Buckinghamshire in 1974, and the opening of a new workshop in Hampstead, London, in 2018.

Transition and Transformation

The recent transformation of W. E. Hill & Sons has been spearheaded by Stefan-Peter Greiner, a renowned violin maker, along with Simon Morris and Steven Smith of J&A Beare, bow maker Derek Wilson, and distinguished luthier Robert Brewer Young. This team brings a wealth of experience in expertise, appraisal, violin and bow making, restoration, and conservation, marking a new era for the firm.

Their acquisition of the company marked its return to London, now housed in the historic coach house and stables of Burgh House from 1704 in Hampstead. This new workshop continues the tradition of excellence while embracing modern advancements.

New Work and Continuing Tradition

W. E. Hill & Sons has assembled a team of the finest craftsmen and most talented luthiers of the day to produce instruments, bows, and accessories to exacting standards for contemporary concert artists. Every instrument and bow is made entirely in their Hampstead workshop, ensuring the highest quality and adherence to traditional craftsmanship.

Violins: The construction of W. E. Hill & Sons instruments continues under the direction of Stefan-Peter Greiner and Robert Brewer Young. The violins are modeled after golden-period Stradivari, including the Messiah of 1716, notable Bergonzis, and the Rode Guarneri del Gesù of 1734. These instruments all have historical connections to the W. E. Hill & Sons firm, ensuring that each piece is not only a work of art but also a continuation of a storied legacy.

Bows: Derek Wilson, who joined W. E. Hill & Sons in 1978, oversees the making of bows that offer the excellence of an enduring English tradition. Each bow crafted in the Hampstead workshop is a blend of historical reverence and modern innovation, maintaining the superior quality for which Hill bows are renowned.

Commitment to Quality and Tradition

The team remains deeply committed to the traditional values and techniques that have defined W. E. Hill & Sons for over a century. Each instrument and bow is handcrafted with meticulous care, ensuring the legacy of excellence continues. This commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their work, from selecting the finest materials to the painstaking attention to detail in the crafting process.

Moreover, they have fostered a culture of mentorship and education within the firm, passing on their knowledge and skills to a new generation of craftsmen. This ensures the rich heritage of Hill & Sons will be preserved and that their standards of excellence will continue to inspire future generations.

Conclusion

W. E. Hill & Sons stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the transformative potential of innovation. Under the guidance of Stefan-Peter Greiner, Derek Wilson, and Robert Brewer Young, the firm has not only preserved its storied legacy but has also charted a bold new course for the future. Their instruments and bows continue to be cherished by musicians around the world, embodying the perfect harmony of art, science, and craftsmanship. As W. E. Hill & Sons moves forward, it remains a beacon of excellence, bridging the gap between the past and the future in the world of string instruments.

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