Why is Arthur Edward Smith considered Australia’s best violin-maker?
Photo courtesy of the National Library of Australia
Today in both Australia & the wider global community, Arthur Edward Smith is considered the most important violin-maker to have been active in Australia. After migrating from London to Australia in 1909, Smith’s reputation began to grow. As his reputation grew, so did the prices for his violins, with one such example selling for USD $84,000 at a 2017 Tarisio auction.
After passing away in 1978, certainly no other domestic maker has been so well regarded as A. E. Smith, despite there being a number of local violin-makers over the years. What is it then that sets Smith apart? Why are his instruments so well regarded & sought after, both locally & internationally?