Franz Wilhelm Neumarker
Schoneck, 1848–1929
Franz Wilhelm Neumarker (1848-1929) was a German violin maker, son and pupil of Ernst Wilhelm Neumarker. He worked in several European cities before establishing his workshop in Hanover in 1875. Neumarker was known for crafting violins based on classical Italian models and for developing a patented personal viola pattern in 1882. His instruments featured fine workmanship and a distinctive spirit or spirit and oil varnish. He was succeeded in his craft by his son, Willy Neumarker.
Maker Overview
Life
Franz Wilhelm Neumarker (1848-1929) was born in 1848 in Schöneck and passed away in 1929 in Hanover, Germany. He was the son and pupil of Ernst Wilhelm Neumarker. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked in Glogau, Vienna, Milan, and Berlin before establishing his own workshop in Hanover in June 1875, located on Leinstrasse.
Characteristics
- Models
- Franz Wilhelm Neumarker crafted violins based on classical Italian models. He also devised a personal viola pattern in 1882, which was patented in the same year. This viola model, was not symmetrical in the lower part of the body to ensure ease of playability despite its size, with the lost volume at the bottom compensated by greater expansion at the top. John Dilworth notes that these specific viola patterns have not stood the test of time. Lütgendorff further states that this model achieved a tone very close to the so-called Ritter-Bratschen.
- Workmanship
- His work was characterized by fine workmanship and materials, and described as clean by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
- Varnish
- He utilized a spirit varnish of rich consistency in appropriate shades. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions his use of both spirit and oil varnish of good color.
- W. Neumärker
Geigenmacher
HannoverJohn Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Franz Wilhelm Neumarker was a pupil of his father, Ernst Wilhelm Neumarker.
- Succession: He was succeeded by his son, Willy Neumarker, who was born in 1883 and also became a violin maker.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
Franz Wilhelm Born 1848 Schöneck, died 1929 Hanover Germany. Son and pupil of Ernst Wilhem Neumarker, above. Worked in Glogau, Vienna, Milan, and Berlin; finally established in Leinstrasse, Hanover 1875. Classical Italian models for violins. Personal viola pattern devised in 1882 with small lower bouts. These latter have not stood the test of time. Fine workmanship and materials. Spirit varnish of rich consistency in appropriate shades. Succeeded by his son Willy, below, Born 1883. W. Neumärker / Geigenmacher / Hannover
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Schüler seines Vaters Ernst Wilhelm N. Nach beendigter Lehrzeit arbeitete
er in Glogau, Wien, Mailand und Berlin und machte sich im Juni 1875 in
Hannover selbstständig. Seine neuen Geigen macht er nach den gangbaren
italienischen Modellen, soweit er nicht sein eigenes (1882 patentirtes) Modell vorzieht,
das er namentlich beim Bau der Bratschen anwendet. Dieses Modell ist
im unteren Theil des Geigenkörpers nicht symmetrisch, damit die Geigen trotz
ihrer Grösse noch leicht spielbar bleiben. Was unten an Umfang verloren geht,
sucht er oben durch grössere Ausdehnung zu ersetzen, und thatsachlich erzielt
er dabei einen Ton, der den sogen. Ritter-Bratschen sehr nahekommt. Seine Arbeit ist sauber und sein Lack (Spiritus und Öllack) von guter Farbe. Auch sein Sohn Willy, geb. 1883, ist Geigenmacher geworden.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
