case, violin shaped, wood, snake skin patterned paper lower, three metal hinges at back, front two clasps, one central lock, one leather handle attached by metal rings, metal protector boards at each end, four metal feet, green felt lining with positions for two bows

1 viola

attributed to William Edward Smith, Wetherby, England, 1905

maple, spruce [European pine], poplar, ebony, pearl, gut, length of back 407mm

1998.60.62 Castle 99

William Edward Smith first worked in Leeds and later moved to Wetherby. ‘His later work as a violin maker is highly admired’.

The viola was purchased from George Withers & Sons, London in 1927 by C R Sainsbury of Wairoa. The receipt for the instrument describes it as being made by ‘W. E. Smith, Wetherby, No 1, 1905’.