Dictionary of Makers

Giuseppe Lecchi was one of many Italian violin makers descended from a family of woodworkers. After serving in WWI and returning to cabinet-making, Lecchi became an apprentice of in 1923. His formal apprenticeship lasted until 1929,
but even early on he showed great promise as a craftsman and had the full support of his teacher, with whom he collaborated until Candi's death.
In 1933 he set up his own business in Genoa, making violin-family instruments as well as bows and guitars and continuing to collaborate with Candi. In 1949 was appointed the official conservator of the Cannon 'del Gesù.'
Overall Lecchi's construction methods followed his teacher's, and his output, based on classical Cremonese models, is accurate and uniform. The varnish deepened in color over the years, from a thicker yellow-gold to orange to red. A brand "G. Lecchi Genova" was used, in addition to three different labels.