violin

After this magnificent Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin was first loaned to the Musical Instrument Fund by its private owner in 2023, we were able to purchase the violin from the owner in 2025, thereby securing the instrument’s place in our collection.

Reportedly, the violin had been part of various collections for a long time and was rarely played. The last collection in which the violin was held was a private collection in New York.

In 2019, the violin came into the possession of a violinist of international renown, who was immediately captivated by it. That violinist even traded a Guarneri violin for it. Upon the transfer, he was advised not to use the violin, given its nearly perfect condition. It was explained that, as far as is known, there are only four Vuillaume violins in the world with a varnish of similar quality. Naturally, the violinist did not heed this advice; the Vuillaume became the instrument on which he studied and performed from that moment on. Thanks to the excellent care he gave the violin, its condition remained consistently excellent.

The last owner was therefore able to purchase the Jean Baptiste Vuillaume from this violinist in virtually perfect condition. He explained his decision to loan the violin to the Musical Instrument Fund as follows: “Even though the violin is in exceptionally pristine condition, I have nevertheless chosen to let it remain a part of life itself so that it may receive the appreciation it deserves.” In late 2025, the Musical Instrument Fund reached an agreement with the owner regarding the purchase of the violin.

Since its addition to the collection in 2023, the Vuillaume has been played by Isobel Warmelink.