Zimmerman’s Strad sells in London for £1.9 million
mainPress release:
The Ex-Croall; McEwen Stradivari violin was sold today, at auction, by Ingles & Hayday for £1,920,000
Considered by leading authority W.E. Hill & Sons as a fine example of Antonio Stradivari’s violins from the 1680’s, the instrument represents a key stage in the development of the luthier’s distinctive style. The violin, which is in fine condition, has a back crafted from a single piece of maple with irregular flame and Stradivari’s trademark golden varnish. Notable performers who have played the Ex-Croall; McEwen include Frank Peter Zimmermann (who performed on the instrument between 1985 and 1990), Alexander Gilman, and Suyeon Kim.
Did Zimmerman actually own this Strad, or did he lease it from an entrepreneur who is no longer interested in the leasing business?
It was supposedly owned by a German bank since 1995, I believe they are the sellers.
Where did it go? Another fine instrument disappearing in a far east banksafe?