WRITTEN BY BRADLEY STRAUCHEN-SCHERER
IN FOCUS
The Forster family was Britain’s foremost dynasty of violin and cello makers. William Forster II is often referred to as ‘Royal Forster’ because of the patronage accorded him by the British aristocracy. George IV ordered at least two cellos and his younger brother Ernest Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland and later King of Hanover, was also a frequent customer. Royal Forster’s instruments are considered the most prized of the dynasty’s output, with cellos often said to represent his inest work.