Inside a Lockey Hill Cello (c.1780)

[lamanoditrento]

One of my students sent me this: a series of internal photographs of a Lockey Hill cello from around 1780.

The work shows the interior structure in sharp detail—tool marks, cleats, grain runout, even repairs. The cello was made by Lockey Hill, fifth son of Joseph Hill and part of the English Hill family of luthiers. It’s clearly a working instrument, not a pristine artefact. The images don’t hide that.

The photographer—based in Aotearoa—used a probe lens and focus stacking to document the inside. The result is striking: not just technically, but materially. You get a clear look at how it was built, and how it’s held up.

Worth a look for anyone interested in historic builds, internal architecture, or how old work holds tension over time.

Lockey Hill Cello – architectureinmusic.com

[malcolmw]

Isn't that wonderful! Though, my wife says no using the design for the house extension.

[kiwigeo]

During my recent new house build my house designer vetoed my suggestion we go for Gore style laminated falcate roof trusses

Isn't that wonderful! Though, my wife says no using the design for the house extension.

[Mr Glyn]

I'm surprised how clean it is in there. I've worked on plenty of 50yo old instruments that look way worse.
I find the scruffier parts interesting, where the tool marks are visible, it just shows that time has always been money.
Thanks for sharing