Last updated 05:28, Friday, 27 June 2008

Tullie House’s Andrea Amati violin will be the subject of a major redisplay project later this year.

Despite its great age, the instrument remains in very good condition and is little changed since its creation during the European Renaissance.

The 450 year-old violin is to have a much more prominent display position within Old Tullie House. There will also be a completely new look at its interpretation.

The decorated back of the instrument, bearing the Coat of Arms of Charles IXth of France, has become much worn by playing over the centuries. It will be returned to its former glory in a commissioned artwork that will show how it would originally have appeared. The fascinating story of the violin will be presented, and will include some of the interesting recent theories that have been developed about its design and construction.

Visitors will be able to hear an audio commentary about the instrument, which will also include some of the recording made on it in 2006 by the distinguished violinist Simon Standage.

Funding for the project has been awarded from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Wolfson Fund. The Friends of Tullie House have also offered a generous contribution.

Senior curator David Clarke will be introducing the project at the lunchtime lecture on Tuesday, at which the violin will make a special guest appearance.

www.tulliehouse.co.uk