The Makers » William C Retford

William C Retford (b 1875-d 1970)

William Charles Retford

Born in New Milton, Hampshire, on 20 June 1875. He started his apprenticeship with Hills in 1892 at the age of sixteen as an instrument repairer – then transferred to the bow making workshop in Hanwell.

He became workshop manager after 15 years and held that position for another 30 years, eventually retiring in 1957. A perfectionist and the… “greatest bow craftsman of his time”.

His bows for Hill are stamped with one single dot.

Died after June 1970

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