The interior of a magnificent violin created by Lorenzo Storioni in 1784, which is presently played by Monique Lapins of the New Zealand String Quartet. The violin is generously on loan from Duncan Craig and the Lily Duncan Trust.

Lorenzo Storioni (1744-1816) is celebrated as one of the last great Cremonese violin luthiers of the 18th century. He is known for his innovative and daring alterations to the violin, such as repositioning the f-holes and incorporating exotic materials like local wild maple in his designs. Storioni's later years coincided with tumultuous times marked by widespread wars and significant political and religious upheaval. These changes profoundly affected Cremona, leading to the decline of its renowned violin-making tradition, a school that had produced legendary luthiers such as Stradivarius, Amati, and Guadagnini.