The Lady Blunt Stradivarius, the world's most valuable violin, underwent a significant restoration nearly 40 years ago in the modest Chicago studio of Carl Becker and Son. This article delves into the fascinating history of this iconic instrument and the renowned family of luthiers who brought it back to life.
Today, a nondescript condominium building stands at 1416 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago's revitalized Lakeview neighborhood. This area, once dotted with cash exchange depots and tattoo parlors, was home to the second-floor studio of Carl Becker and Son, a family of master violin makers and repairers of fine instruments. The building was demolished in the 1990s, but its legacy lives on through the extraordinary work done within its walls.
The Becker family business dates back to the late 1940s and continues to thrive today. Carl Frederick Becker, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 93, was a pivotal figure in the firm. His children and grandchildren now operate the business in Chicago's Loop, conveniently located near the Lyric Opera and Symphony Center concert halls.
The Beckers have earned a world-class reputation for their craftsmanship. In the early 1970s, their simple second-floor walkup shop on Belmont Avenue became the temporary home of a particularly well-known and extraordinarily valuable Stradivarius violin.
The "Lady Blunt Strad," named after its former owner Lady Anne Blunt, daughter of Ada Lovelace and granddaughter of Lord Byron, was crafted in 1721 by the master Cremonese luthier Antonio Stradivari. This violin is renowned not only for its exquisite sound but also for its remarkable condition. In 2011, it fetched $15.9 million at auction, the highest price ever paid for a musical instrument (source).
The Lady Blunt Stradivarius arrived at the Becker studio in the early 1970s for a crucial restoration. Despite the shop's modest appearance, the Beckers' reputation for excellence made them the perfect choice for this delicate task. Carl G. Becker, a well-known violin maker, and his son Carl F. Becker, who crafted over 500 instruments with his father, meticulously restored the Lady Blunt.
After its restoration, the Lady Blunt Stradivarius was sold at auction for $201,000 to Robert Lowe, who owned it for 30 years. In 2008, the Nippon Music Foundation acquired the violin for $10 million. In 2011, the Foundation auctioned it to benefit the victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, where it sold for a record-breaking $15.9 million (source).
The Becker family's contribution to the world of fine stringed instruments is immeasurable. Their meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to preserving musical history have left an indelible mark on the industry. The Lady Blunt Stradivarius, now rarely played, stands as a testament to their skill and passion.
The story of the Lady Blunt Stradivarius and the Becker family is a fascinating chapter in the history of fine musical instruments. Their legacy continues to inspire and resonate with musicians and collectors around the world.
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