William Forster III – Violin Maker (1764-1824)

William Forster III (1764-1824) was born into a London-based luthier dynasty. He apprenticed under his father, William Forster II, from a young age and completed his first violin at the age of 15. Forster later attempted to diversify the family business, including a foray into selling fresh produce, but the Forster name remains most closely associated with lutherie.

Forster’s output displays excellent craftsmanship. He typically based his instruments on existing models, including Stradivari, Amati, and Stainer, and his cellos are particularly prized.