Anton Wilfer

Anton Wilfer (30 April 1901 – 31 August 1976) was a Czechoslovak luthier.[2] He was known for building and repairing stringed instruments at his workshop, Anton Wilfer Co Ltd., in Montreal, Canada.

Anton Wilfer
Born
Anton Wilfer

(1901-04-30)30 April 1901
Luby, Czechoslovakia
Died31 August 1976(1976-08-31) (aged 75)
Montreal, Canada
NationalityCzechoslovakian
OccupationLuthier
Spouse(s)Franziska[1]
Children2[1]

Life and career

Wilfer was born in Luby, Czechoslovakia, on 30 April 1901. His father and grandfather were luthiers.[3] Wilfer studied and practised violin making in Luby before travelling in 1946 to Mittenwald, Bavaria, to hone his craft with master craftsmen.[2]

In 1951, Wilfer moved to Montreal, Canada, where he opened a workshop, Anton Wilfer Co Ltd., with his sons-in-law, Alois Fogl and Ewald Fuchs.[2] Together, they built and repaired such stringed instruments as violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and guitars.[2] Their shop was originally located on Saint Catherine Street above the International Music Store, but was relocated in 1956 to a building at 2002 Mackay Street.[2] By the 1970s, the shop began catering exclusively to the repairing of stringed instruments rather than their construction.[4] Their clientele included members of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, as well as other professional musicians from Montreal and from other provinces and countries.[4]

Following Wilfer's retirement, Fogl and Fuchs took over the management of the shop.[4] Wilfer died in Montreal on 31 August 1976 after undergoing an operation.[1] The shop closed in 1996.[2]

References
  1. "Wilfer, Anton Obituary". The Gazette. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 1 September 1976. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  2. Spier, Susan; Huot, Cécile (2 April 2010). "Anton Wilfer | The Canadian Encyclopedia". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  3. Christopherson, Walter (28 July 1960). "Stradivarius Violins: Millions of Claims But Few Are Genuine". The Gazette. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  4. "In Montreal Store: Fit as a Fiddle". The Province. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 26 July 1976. Retrieved 12 January 2021.


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