J & A Beare

Founded in 1892, J & A Beare is widely regarded as the pre-eminent business in the field of fine antique stringed instruments and bows. As a dealer in fine violins, violas and cellos, we buy and sell instruments with a market value of at least £10,000, offering a particular specialisation in the finest old Italian instruments. We also deal in bows with a market value upwards of £2,000. In the last two and a half years the company has completed sales of more than 12 fine Stradivari and Guarneri instruments amongst hundreds of other fine instruments and bows by Italian and other European makers. In 2012 Beare’s set a world-record price with the sale of the ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri del Gesù for over $16 million. Based in a six-storey period building in the heart of Marylebone in London, we have our own workshop of highly-skilled craftsmen, internationally recognised for their expertise in restoring fine old violins, violas, cellos and bows. Managing Directors Simon Morris and Steven Smith continue to uphold the great traditions and close community of clientele the company is known for, whilst combining it with a modern business approach always guided by the utmost confidentiality and exemplary service. "J & A Beare, the London expert firm which handles most of the top-level stringed instruments." – The Independent