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Peter Biddulph
Peter Biddulph is one of the world's premier dealers in fine stringed instruments.  He began his career as a cellist, having studied at the Royal College of Music in London with Anthony Pini.  An injury to his right elbow terminated his playing ambitions at the age of 21, and he accepted a job with the firm of J.& A. Beare Ltd.  He worked there from 1968 to 1974, where he developed his expert eye and in-depth knowledge of old Italian instruments.  He then spent several years travelling throughout the USA, Europe and the Far East buying instruments from auction houses and violin shops.  He made many exciting discoveries, including a Stradivari mandolin which he purchased at auction in New York for $240.

Biddulph opened his first premises in London in 1978, trading under the partnership of Biddulph and Moes.  He served as consultant expert to Sotheby's for 5 years and in 1989 also became a consultant to Christie¹s.  He subsequently bought another business, J.P. Guivier & Co. Ltd., established in 1867 for the selling of violins and accessories.

Peter Biddulph is recognised as one of the foremost experts in his field, and his London shop serves an international clientèle of musicians.  A wide variety of instruments and bows are available in the shop for customers to try, which generally range from 19th century French, English and Italian instruments to those of Stradivari and Guarneri.  The shop offers services including repairs and restoration for stringed instruments and bows, valuations and certification.   The staff can also assist customers with adjustments and maintenance of their instruments.

In 1994, Peter Biddulph organised and sponsored the exhibition "The Masterpieces of Guarneri del Gesù" at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.  A catalogue of the exhibition was published immediately after the event and a ground-breaking study of Guarneri's life and work followed in 1998.  Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, co-authored by Carlo Chiesa, John Dilworth, Roger Hargrave, Peter Klein, Stewart Pollens, Duane Rosengard and Eric Wen, is a major contribution to the violin literature.  

Biddulph has also published two important books about the life and work of Stradivari.  The Violin Forms of Antonio Stradivari is an essential volume for violinmakers.  Author Stewart Pollens provides insights into Stradivari's techniques, design and construction, and the volume contains illustrations of all the master's surviving violin, viola and cello forms as well as patterns for corner blocks, necks and soundholes. The Stradivari Legacy is a fascinating text which examines the last will and testament of Stradivari, a document unknown to historians until it was discovered by Carlo Chiesa and Duane Rosengard in 1995.

Biddulph Recordings has been hailed by Musical America as "the best historical label in the world". A rapidly growing CD label specialising in historical performances, Biddulph Recordings was formed by Peter's colleague Eric Wen in 1989.  The company has an extensive catalogue of recordings by the great virtuosi of the early 20th century, including Jascha Heifetz, Fritz Kreisler, Yehudi Menuhin, William Primrose and Pablo Casals. In addition to historical reissues, Biddulph Recordings has an expanding catalogue of new digital recordings.  These include the CD début of the sensational Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov.  Most of the new releases are recording premières, and the exploration of novel repertoire is an important aspect of the Biddulph Recordings philosophy.

Peter Biddulph's valuable contribution to musical life in London was recently recognised by his admission to the Freedom of the City of London in the Company of Musicians.

Peter Biddulph's shop is located at 34 St. George Street, London W1S 2ND. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.  Clients looking to buy or sell an instrument, or seeking a valuation or certificate, may telephone  +44 20 7491 8621 for an appointment.  Our fax number is +44 20 7495 1428 and our e-mail address is   info@peterbiddulph.com

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