Violin dealers and restoration specialists J & A Beare has bought violin makers W E Hill & Sons. The acquisition comes as the London-based firm celebrates its 125th anniversary.
“W E Hill and Sons is synonymous with quality and expertise,” said Beare’s managing director Simon Morris. “For generations it was the world’s pre-eminent violin dealer … now, in our 125th year, Beare’s is proud to help our clients further by combining the historic resources of Hill’s with our own.”
W E Hill and Sons – which was founded in 1887 – ceased operations in 1992, although the former owners Andrew and David Hill have continued as independent traders. Hill accessories, such as violin cleaning products, are still manufactured.
Morris went on to reassure buyers that “the sought after Hill accessories will continue to be manufactured and sold.”
Commented David Hill: “‘We are very pleased that we were able to entrust our company to J & A Beare, a firm with such a good and long-standing reputation for dealing in fine stringed instruments.”