Kitty SMITH

Biographies

John Dilworth

SMITH, Kitty Born 1912, d.2005 Sydney Australia. Daughter of A. E. Smith, above. Studied violin at Sydney Conservatoire. Joined her father in the workshop from c.1930. Married in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea 1938, returning to Sydney in 1941 as a result of the Japanese invasion. Continued working with her father. Awarded a diploma of honour at The Hague 1949. Succeeded to the business in the early 1960s, managing the firm and making instruments until retirement 1972. Completed 17 violins, one viola, and two cellos on Stradivari, Guarneri, and personal models. Similar in style and craftsmanship to the work of her father. Very highly regarded maker. Succeeded by her son Roderick (Born 1938).