This fine modern craftsman-made cello is offered for sale, and proceeds will go towards the work of the RAB Trust in supporting students of violin making about to embark on their professional careers. For more information, and to arrange to see and try the cello, please contact Anja Kuch on cello@rabtrust.org
Anja writes about how the cello came to be made:
“When I was a student at the Newark School of Violin Making I received support from the RAB Trust for which I have always been very grateful. Without this, I would never have had the great opportunity to make my first cello whilst at the school. After this, I looked to support the work of the RAB Trust as they continue to provide valuable assistance to many other violinmaking students.
And so, about 4 years ago parts of an unfinished cello came to me via the RAB Trust which were donated to the trust by the widow of James Sheriff, who had sadly not been able to finish the instrument. Even though the work was well on the way there was still quite a lot more to be done. Two of my fellow makers, Frank White and IJmkje van der Werf were also enthusiastic about the project and generously offered their time and skills in order to complete the cello for the RAB Trust.
On occasions we all came together to work, and on other occasions we exchanged parts and worked on them individually. It proved a challenge to pick up where the original maker had left off. What was the model he had in mind? As the ribs were already partially coloured, what had he used? How could we match this colour in the other parts?
Now that the cello is complete, it is gratifying to see how the team's collaboration and dedication has produced a cohesive instrument whilst successfully retaining its original character. We hope the finished cello meets the intentions of the original maker, James Sheriff, and becomes an enjoyable instrument for its future owner.
I'd like to thank both Frank and Ijmkje for their team efforts.
Anja Kuch”
