Although John William Owen (b.1852, d.1933)  trained as an engineer, he fell in love with violin making and restoring.  He received training from the luthiers of the period plus traveled to France for further instruction. He made his first instrument in 1884, and began calling his residence “Amati House”. Throughout his life, he built about 200 violins, violas and cellos, and repaired over 4,000. This violin, made by Owen in 1923, is a prime example of his work. Consistent with his other instruments, the label inside this instrument is quite artfully designed: it shows a horizontal f-hole with his name “J.W. Owen” printed on it is surrounded with a landscape and dozens of tiny music notes. Above the label, Owen wrote in his own hand, “Made by John W. Owens, Leeds, 1923, No. 116 violin”. Its condition is superb.  The tone of this violin is clear and resonant, with a strong projection across all strings and quick response as well as a sweet, singing quality. This instrument would be ideal for an advanced to professional level violinist looking for a soloistic instrument.