A remarkable piece of Suffolk’s musical and artistic history has been brought back to life thanks to the specialist craftsmanship of Suffolk Craft Society members James and Sylvie Fawcett.
The cello, which is believed to have been played by the celebrated Suffolk artist John Constable, had been unplayable for many years. Now, following a painstaking restoration funded by the Friends of Ipswich Museums, the instrument is once again making music.
The cello was gifted to Ipswich Borough Council in 1942, but its story goes back much further. It is thought to have been made in 1802 by John Dunthorne Senior, a violin maker who lived in East Bergholt and was a close friend and neighbour of Constable.
Dunthorne and Constable shared more than a village. The two friends painted together, and Dunthorne’s connection with Constable has led to the intriguing possibility that the artist himself played this very cello. Constable was a keen musician, and it is thought he may have played in the church band at East Bergholt.
By the time the instrument came into the museum collection, it had already undergone a restoration approximately 20 years earlier. Unfortunately, the work had left the cello in a condition where it could no longer be played.
Restoring an historic instrument such as this requires not only technical skill but also a sensitive understanding of its construction, materials and history. James and Sylvie Fawcett carefully brought the cello back to a playable condition, preserving its character while allowing its voice to be heard once again.
The results have been warmly received by cellist Melanie Woodcock, who has been playing the instrument since its restoration. She describes the Fawcetts’ work as an excellent restoration and says the cello now has a lovely, rich sound.
There is something particularly special about hearing an historic object return to its original purpose. Rather than simply being preserved behind glass, this cello can once again be played and appreciated as a musical instrument connecting us with the people who made, owned and played it more than two centuries ago.
The story of the cello brings together many of the things that make traditional craft so fascinating: skilled making, careful restoration, local history and the preservation of objects for future generations.It also offers a glimpse into the life of John Constable beyond his paintings. His friendship with John Dunthorne, his love of music and the possibility that he played this very instrument provide a fascinating connection between Suffolk’s artistic and musical heritage.
The restored cello is currently on display at Christchurch Mansion, where visitors can see this remarkable piece of craftsmanship and consider the stories it has carried through more than 200 years.
The cello is on display at Christchurch Mansion until Sunday 4 October.
We are delighted to celebrate the work of Suffolk Craft Society members James and Sylvie Fawcett in bringing this important piece of Suffolk heritage back to life.
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