Andrew Hooker Violins

Andrew Hooker, dealer in fine violins

Andrew Hooker worked in the Musical Instruments department at Sotheby's in London from 1977 until 1991. For the last seven of these years he was a departmental director. This involved much European and American travel - ultimately too much travel - assessing all kinds of instruments for auction. Naturally the vast majority of this work involved the violin family.

In 1991 he started his own business. This outgrew his home, hence the move to a redundant Georgian church. The conversion was completed in 1999 and now this unusual building makes a good place in which to live as well as providing all the space that could possibly be needed for a violin business. Instruments sound wonderful in the church - possibly too wonderful: it is as big as some concert halls and indeed is used for concerts. Obviously clients are not expected to decide on an instrument without trying it in their own familiar surroundings.

As an independent dealer, Andrew has sold many important instruments, Stradivari amongst others, and his contacts with collectors generally enable him to find excellent antique violins, violas and cellos, which are often unknown within the trade. He provides valuations for probate and insurance, and is a consultant for various auction houses, both in the UK and overseas.

Players are welcome to visit the old church, to try instruments or to bring their own for valuation, but please contact us first