William Duff - Victorian Ghillie & Atholl Man
William Duff - Atholl Man
William Duff Atholl Man - Ghillie, Gardener, Fiddler, Flyfisher, Violin Maker
Willie Duff was born on the 21st of June 1809 in Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland, and passed away on the 26th of July 1882.
Willie Duff was a well-known ghillie, gardener, and estate worker at the prestigious Blair Atholl Estate. Fondly referred to as ‘Bearded Willie’ by locals, he also pursued his passion for crafting violins as an amateur maker, showcasing his diverse skills and talents within the community.
He was a large man standing tall at 6 feet and 3 inches. A man of many talents, he worked on the Atholl estate of the 5th Duke, where he was esteemed for his skills as a fisherman, gamekeeper, and his close friendship with Queen Victoria.
He resided in the picturesque Loch Ordie Lodge on the expansive estate for a period of time, surrounded by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Willie Duff was also known for making violins, but he also crafted and rehaired bows using hair sourced from the horses in the Estate’s stables.
Descriptions of his violins often mentioned his choice of the Stainer model, characterized by a coarse yet distinctive style. His violins typically featured painted purfling and were made in a primitive fashion with a 'through' neck instead of a separate interior top block. T
he finishing touch was the application of a yellow spirit varnish, adding to the unique charm of his creations.
