09/26/2018 News and Film
Freeman's is pleased to welcome Sawyer Thomson as the Lead Consulting Specialist for the Musical Instruments department. A cellist and graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, Mr. Thomson founded Thomson Violins, Ltd., in 2016, where he assists musicians and collectors across the world with the sale and acquisition of fine instruments and bows. He will work with Consulting Specialist Frederick Oster and the team at Freeman's to create a dynamic Musical Instruments sale, to be held Spring 2019.
Mr. Thomson was drawn to the world of fine stringed instruments and bows after buying his first professional cello. Intrigued by the tonal differences between models of old masters such as Stradivarius, Montagnana, and Gofriller, he set out to gain a professional understanding of rare instruments and their history, which subsequently led to the founding his business. "These works of art, which can be over 300 years old, have a distinctive tonal palate that has not yet been matched by modern instruments. Add to that their intrinsic value as financial investments, and you now have collectable art with utility. There is a reason why the vast majority of top performers and collectors choose to acquire works by the old masters."
Mr. Thomson regularly attends violin auctions across Europe, and maintains relationships with the field's leading experts. "There is nothing more exciting than being in the auction room, either as a viewer or as a participant," says Mr. Thomson. He looks forward to working with Freeman's and being on the other side of the process, and "getting to view and study hundreds of lots at a time, which is a valuable education in itself."
"Sawyer has the keen eye of someone much older," says Frederick Oster, Consulting Specialist and owner of Frederick W. Oster Fine Violins in Philadelphia. "He is an up-and-coming star amongst violin specialists, and has managed at a young age to have created an international network of clients. His enthusiasm for instruments and bows is unmatched, and his background as a professional cellist is invaluable."
Outside of musical instruments, Mr. Thomson is an avid golfer. He enjoys experiencing the various cuisines of the places he visits, especially in Asia. At the end of September, both Mr. Thomson and Mr. Oster will attend Cremona Mondomusica, the annual international festival for top-range stringed instruments.
Freeman's plans to hold two musical instrument sales each year, in the spring and autumn, to align with their current sale season schedule. These auctions will offer buyers competitive rates, and a well-rounded selection of violins, violas, cellos, and their bows. Suitable consignments for the Spring 2019 auction will accepted through March 15, 2019.