Violin made from Winston Churchill’s cigar box to fetch £1,000 at auction
A VIOLIN made from one of Winston Churchill’s cigar boxes is expected to fetch up to £1,000 at auction next week.
A violin made from Winston Churchill's cigars is expected to fetch £1,000 at an auction
It was made in 1956 by self-taught violin maker William Robinson, who had experience converting empty boxes into “rustic” violins in his childhood. He acquired Sir Winston’s cigar box from the former prime minister’s niece Clarissa Eden, the wife of Anthony Eden.
I enjoyed playing melodies on it because it has a nice tone and I love that it has such a history
The violin – which was played by Yehudi Menuhin in a radio broadcast in 1958 – has “Made in Havana – Cuba” written under its bridge.
It also has the words “Seleccion Privada, Fabrica Tabacos Don Joaquin, Habana” branded on the back.
Mr Robinson acquired Sir Winston’s cigar box from the former prime minister’s niece Clarissa Eden
In the run-up to the auction, it was tested by virtuoso player Kerenza Peacock, who has performed with both the London Symphony Orchestra and stars such as Paul McCartney, Kanye West and Adele. Kerenza, 37, said: “I enjoyed playing melodies on it because it has a nice tone and I love that it has such a history.
The violin was played by Yehudi Menuhin in a radio broadcast in 1958
It was tested by virtuoso player Kerenza Peacock, who has performed with stars like Paul McCartney
“I can’t believe it’s made from a cigar box. Luckily, it doesn’t smell of cigars!”
The violin will go under the hammer at the Ingles & Hayday auction house in London next Tuesday. It is expected to sell for between £500 and £1,000