The man of property: Who was Baron Johann Knoop?

Lead image - Ludwig-Knoop-and-sons

Clifford Hall tells the story of the German collector Baron Johann Knoop

Discover more lutherie articles here

Read more premium content for subscribers here

’It’s easy to play and I’ve never heard a better-sounding violin,’ says US collector David Fulton on the ‘Baron Knoop’ violin, made by Antonio Stradivari in 1715. ‘Perhaps some are as good, perhaps some have remarkable personalities, but none is better. It is a very happy-sounding fiddle. I love it.’

In 1928, Alfred Hill of W.E. Hill and Sons recalled ‘one of the best clients our firm has had’ also had a great affinity for this particular violin. Hill boldly suggested that the violin’s current name, derived from one of its recent owners – the well-known and much beloved London banker Frederick Lincoln Bevan whose 1909 obituary eulogised him as ‘one of the most respected, most kind-hearted and generous supporters of local charities and deserving institutions’ – be changed to Baron Knoop

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.