Beare Violins Ltd

Beare Violins Ltd is a family company run by Charles and Peter Beare, now located in a converted barn in the beautiful Kent countryside.

Charles Beare is the foremost authority on fine antique instruments of the violin family. After training as a violin maker he spent a year in New York studying with Rembert Wurlitzer and Fernando Sacconi, and on his return to London joined his stepfather William Beare in the family firm of John and Arthur Beare. During his time at the helm of the business Charles advised countless well-known musicians including Nathan Milstein, Jacqueline du Pré, Pinchas Zukerman, Mstislav Rostropovich and Yo Yo Ma; he also signed more than five thousand certificates of authenticity, and built up a workshop team of enviable reputation. In 1998 the family firm changed its name to Beare Violins Ltd.

Beare Violins Ltd is primarily concerned with issuing certificates of authenticity for fine antique instruments of the violin family, signed personally by Charles Beare. They also help clients to buy and sell their fine violins, violas, cellos and bows. Where necessary, their small, experienced workshop carries out any restoration required.