Sydney School
Arthur Edward Smith
Sydney, 1880–1978
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.
Instruments
Auction price history
Highest auction price
9 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Labelled Arthur Edward Smith, made in Sydney, 191..., further labelled Repaired by Arthur Edward ... Lot 105 | Brompton's | June 2020 | £14,400est. £ 8,500-9,500 |
| Violin | 1960 | — | November 1996 | £5,750 |
| Cello | 1909 | — | June 1996 | £12,075 |
| Violin | 1962 | — | March 1996 | £8,280 |
| Viola | 41.0 cm 1953 | — | March 1996 | £10,925 |
| Viola | 41.9 cm 1961 | — | November 1994 | £6,670 |
| Viola | 41.9 cm 1963 | — | June 1991 | £5,500 |
| Viola | 41.0 cm 1963 | — | May 1986 | £1,012 |
| Violin | 1959 | — | June 1982 | £1,944 |
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Maker Overview
Life
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. 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.
Characteristics
- 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.
- Edward VII
no.3 A.E.Smith
Maldon
1903John Dilworth - Made by
A. E. Smith for
Jeffreys & Sons
Maldon. Essex. No.. 1906John Dilworth - Edward VII
No. 8 A. E, Smith Maldon. 1901John Dilworth - Arthur E. Smith Sydney, 1924John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- 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.
- 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.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
SMITH, Arthur Edward Born 1880 Islington, London UK, died 1978 Sydney Australia. Self-taught maker of considerable achievement and influence. Trained as an engineer and an amateur violinist. Inspired by the Hill’s Stradivari, his Life and Work to take up violin making. Found work 1905-1909 with a local repairer and dealer C. W. Jefferies in Maldon. Completed about twenty violins and a quartet. Emigrated to Melbourne, Australia 1909. Worked briefly with C. Rothammer in San Francisco, USA 1912-1914. He continued an association with Rothammer in Sydney, Australia until Rothammer’s return to San Francisco in 1919 when Smith founded his independent business of A. E. Smith & Co Pty., Ltd at 69 Hunter Street. His shop became large and successful, moving to extensive premises at 9-11 Hunter Street in the 1930s, employing several craftsmen and importing instruments as well as making and restoring. Trained several leading Australian makers of the next generation, including C. Clarke, W. Dolphin. H. Vatilotis, and his daughter Kitty, below, who succeeded to the business. Developed string making also to ease the shortages in Australia during war-time. Awarded diploma of honour at the Hague 1949, and appointed M.B.E. by the British Government for services to music. Completed at least 250 instruments on good Stradivari and Guarneri models. Well-observed and beautifully made, but with distinct and honest personality. Excellent imported tone woods and a particularly fine and tender orange-brown oil varnish. 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 Arthur E. Smith Sydney, 1924
William Meredith Morris+
A young beginner whose work is full of excellent promise.
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