Constable's Cello to Sing Again After Restoration

John Constable, renowned British landscape painter, had a personal cello commissioned in 1802, which is now being played publicly for the first time in 100 years after its restoration. The instrument was made by John Dunthorne Sr., a neighbor, mentor, and friend of Constable, who was also a skilled instrument maker. Constable, who described himself as a "natural painter" in 1802, may have played this cello in his home village of East Bergholt, Suffolk.

The cello was acquired by the Ipswich Collection in 1942 but had been unplayable since a flawed restoration in 1926. A recent fundraising effort by the Friends of Ipswich Museum yielded over £4,000 for its comprehensive restoration. Expert restorers James and Sylvie Fawcett brought the instrument back to life, with local cellist Melanie Woodcock praising its "rich, lovely sound."

Melanie Woodcock will perform with the cello on June 10, alongside readings by author Susan Owens. Following this, the cello will be exhibited at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich from June 17 to October 4, as part of the Constable 250 festival commemorating the artist's 250th birth anniversary.