A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the theft of a valuable 18th-century violin, worth over £150,000, stolen from a north London pub.
The historic instrument, made in Florence in 1740, belonged to David Lopez Ibanez, a member of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra. It was taken on the evening of 18 February from The Marquess Tavern, located on Canonbury Street in Islington.
According to the Metropolitan Police, a 43-year-old man was arrested on 25 June on suspicion of theft. He was taken into custody and later released on bail while inquiries continue. The violin has not yet been recovered.
Lopez Ibanez previously described the instrument as much more than a valuable object, calling it his “voice” and a constant companion throughout his career.
“It travels with you around the world and lets you express something beyond words,” he told BBC London. “It’s truly priceless to me, far beyond its monetary value.”
One of the violin’s most distinctive features is a small, heart-shaped cut-out on the scroll at the top of the instrument — a rare and easily identifiable mark.
Lopez Ibanez has appealed to the public for help in locating the violin. “If anyone has seen an instrument like this — whether in a pawn shop, antiques market, or second-hand store — please come forward or contact the police,” he urged.
“The heart-shaped cut in the scroll makes it very distinctive. It’s not something you come across often.”
The police investigation remains ongoing. Photo by User:FA2010, Wikimedia commons.