Charles L. Tweedale was a parish priest who claimed to have received the recipe for Stradivari's varnish from the spirit world. His 'revelations' were published in News from the Next World (Spiritualist Press, London, 1940). He was a prolific maker who followed classical Italian models, though his work was inconsistent. He used fine transparent oil varnish and good materials. Instruments were given individual names and branded as Tweedale. This violin contains a lengthy label that reads:' "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights." Chales L. Tweedale, Weston. Anno "1928 Tristram" (written in pen) "This instrument is covered with the Varnish of Antonius Stradivarius of Cremona, re-discovered by me. The owner is requested to protect it from direct sunlight, and warned on no account whatsoever to allow any other varnish to be applied to it, or any "varnish reviver," crude oils, or other liquids, to be used upon it.'
