£15k violin snatched

South London Press

£15k violin snatched

Jan 28 2005
By Ben Ashford

IT WAS lovingly strung by master-craftsmen more than 100 years ago and has rested under the chin of generations of classical musicians.

But now the 1883 Gand and Bernadel violin - worth around £15,000 - has fallen into less-refined hands.

Owner, violinist Nick Pryce, 57, was on his way home from rehearsals for a small recital in South Kensington when muggers jumped him from behind and wrenched the rare instrument from his grip. He gave chase but the pair jumped into a getaway car and sped off.

Mr Pryce told the South London Press: "That violin was my baby. I'd had it for 10 years and treasured it because of its uniquely warm sound.

"It was a one-off handcrafted model from the 19th century and, without any insurance cover, there is no way I could afford to replace it."

The robbery happened at 8.30pm on January 11, at the corner of Cooks Road and Otto Street in Kennington.

Mr Pryce - a retired soloist - had gone into the nearby White Bear pub and was walking home when the thugs struck.

"I was 100 yards from my flat when a couple of guys jumped me. I chased them but they jumped in a car.

"I wasn't badly hurt but the shock was awful. I don't think they even realised what they had in their hands."

Police want music shops and musicians to lookout for people trying to sell the violin.

It has a distinctive red varnish with four ebony pins, and was kept inside a dark blue, canvas case with two violin bows.

The robbers were both about 25, 5ft 10in tall and wearing woolly hats.

Anyone with information should call PC Nishit Doshi of Walworth robbery squad on 020 7232 6267 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A small cash reward is on offer.

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