A composite cello made, with the exception of the table and head, by Joannes Guillami, Barcelona, Spain, with original label dated 1734, it is also branded “Guillami” internally on the treble side of the back plate. The cello has an original certificate to this effect from W.E. Hill & Sons in 1940, made out to A.E.Smith & Co., Sydney, and a later certificate from D.R. Hill & Son, 1998 (then successors to W.E. Hill & Sons), confirming the above attribution.

Joannes (Juan) Guillami was a highly regarded Spanish maker who worked in Barcelona from around 1720 to 1765. He was thought to have lived in Italy for some years thus explaining the various influences of the great Italian masters of the time, Amati, Stradivari, Gagliano et al.

This cello has a two piece back with original wings on both lower flanks; the sides are of similar wood; the varnish of a brilliant orange brown over a golden ground.

This is a wonderful sounding, professional quality instrument, fitted up to our ‘Master’ standard using Larsen ‘Ill Cannone’ strings. It would be suited to an advanced student or professional cellist.

Reference: VC.375