The Beare’s Scientific Research and Conservation department is a global first in the world of fine violins, with innovative research and unprecedented scope enhanced by partnerships with leading international institutions.
Research Programme
The Beare’s Scientific Research and Conservation department is unique among major dealers.
Led by luthier Robert Brewer Young, the work utilises the latest cutting-edge techniques to reveal hidden elements of fine antique instruments. Within our in-house laboratory, microscopy, material and acoustic analysis, and further non-invasive techniques are used to make new discoveries in the structure of the wood and varnish of instruments.
Analysis of data gained through the Scientific Research department‘s investigative protocols, combined with Beare’s extensive sales records, can be used to authenticate instruments more accurately than at any previous point in history.
A greater understanding of the chemical and structural composition of the materials used in instruments by different makers also informs the restoration work of our in-house workshops. Analysis of varnish and other components by the Scientific Research department will allow our restorers to more accurately replicate a historic maker’s materials in their work, giving a true-to-life restoration and better conserving these precious instruments for future generations.
Public Events
The Beare’s Scientific Research and Conservation department showcases its latest work and most recent scientific publications in quarterly public presentations and discussions. Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed of the latest events, including booking information.
Upcoming events
6pm, Tue 9 Jan | J & A Beare
The Art and Science of Photography
185 years since the invention of the Daguerrotype by artist Louis Daguerre in France, the medium of photography has flourished in myriad ways, expanding the capabilities of art, journalism and science.
In this evening, the Beare’s Scientific Research department team outlines the importance of modern photography practice, showcasing the methods by which the latest techniques uncover previously hidden details in antique instruments. Robert Brewer Young will explore the development and history of photography as both an artistic and scientific medium, contextualising the Department’s current photography output as a product of both traditions.
Please RSVP by email to Nikolaj Schubert by Sunday 7 January.
Past events
Wed 29 Nov 2023 | J & A Beare
European Graduate School: Institute for Music and Philosophy - Launch Event
For over 20 years, the Philosophy, Art and Critical Thought Division at the European Graduate School (EGS) has been exploring the foundations of modern thought and creative practice while addressing the most urgent questions of the day. In an exciting expansion of its programme, EGS launched its new Institute for Music and Philosophy in an evening event at J & A Beare.
The evening featured a cello performance, alongside an introduction from the project’s directors, Christopher Fynsk, Dean of the Division of Philosophy, Art, and Critical Thought at the European Graduate School, and Robert Brewer Young, Director of the Scientific Research and Conservation Department at J & A Beare.
Wed 1 Nov 2023 | London Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Beare's Scientific Research and Conservation Department Opening
The J & A Beare Scientific Research and Conservation Department was launched to the world with an insightful evening at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences at the Royal Institution.
Head of the Department Robert Brewer Young presented an exploration of Euclidean geometry and its relationship to music and violin harmonics. He was joined by violinist Elena Urioste, and London Institute Fellow Prof Yang-Hui He, who is an amateur violinist. Both played on Stradivari violins provided for the event by J & A Beare.
Robert Brewer Young
Robert Brewer Young
Director, Head of Scientific Research and Conservation
E: robertyoung@beares.com
Jason Reitenberger
Jason Reitenberger
Research Associate
Sebastian Gonzalez PhD
Sebastian Gonzalez PhD
Research Associate
Research Collaborators
In undertaking its research programme, the Beare’s Scientific Research and Conservation department regularly works with many of the world’s leading institutions. We are grateful for their support and expertise, and are proud to have collaborated on projects with the following universities and museums:
London Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Royal Institution, London
Museo del Violino, Cremona
Cambridge University Department of Engineering
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
