The Cello

Francesco Rugeri (Cremona, b. c.1628; d. 28 October 1698), also known as Ruger, Rugier, Ruggeri, Ruggieri, Ruggerius, was the first of an important family of luthiers, the Casa Rugeri in Cremona, Italy. His instruments are masterfully constructed. Francesco was the first to develop a smaller cello design, which has become the standard for modern cello dimensions.

Francesco lived and worked just outside of the walls of Cremona, Italy in the Parishes of San Bernardo at No. 7 Contrada Coltellai and later by 1687 in the Parish of San Sebastiano. In San Sebastiano he lived next to the convent of San Sigismondo, one of the finest buildings in Cremona. His success peaked after Nicolò Amati's decline and before the rise of the workshop of Antonio Stradivari. After 1670, Francesco was ably assisted by three of his sons in his workshop. The Rugeri tradition was carried on and developed by Francesco's son, Vincenzo Rugeri, who was the only of his sons to later have an independent successful career as a luthier. Francesco was buried in the Church of San Trinita.

Peter Horner of Brompton’s Fine and Rare Instruments found the cello in Italy in 1998:

Justin’s cello was previously owned by  an old Roman family by the name of Garbrecht.

It was kept in a vault during World War II and survived allied bombing along with the huge collection of old master pics.

Justin purchased the cello in 2003 through Peter Biddulph. The instrument had been partly restored by Étienne Vatelot and Justin lent it to the superb cellist Guy Johnston.

He recorded his first cd album on the Ruggeri cello, “Milo”.