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Scan 224
Old Violins And Their Makers, 1883
2 lines. Read by computer on 1 October 2026. Printed page 210. See the scan on archive.org.
1that he made inferior instruments for the shops, and that these were of the Strad. model. If this is correct, although, for the reason already given, I doubt its accuracy, he should have the credit of at least bringing this form into notice so early, however poorly he may have recommended it. The preference for the Amati type kept alive in France until about 1810, when Guarnerius and Stradivari began to share the honours, and I think it is hardly likely that Aireton made Strad. models so long before; but it is, of course, quite possible. The proof that he made for music shops is drawn from a violoncello which had his name in small letters on the back under the button, and the name of "Norris and Barnes" above it. This instrument had also, inside, a spurious label of Banks. Norris and Barnes, though ostensibly violin makers, were, in reality, only sellers while in business. They both, however, learned the art, but do not appear to have handled the tools much after they became partners, except to teach others, if even that. Aireton died in 1807, and at that time was reported, by a maker who knew him, to be about eighty years of age. One of his instruments, bearing date 1735, was exhibited at South Kensington in 1872. About 1725 there was a John Barrett, whose labels state that he lived at the Harp and Crown in Piccadilly. He made some good instruments which were not purfled. Their tone is excellent, but in some cases the appearance of the wood and the quality of the work is unsatisfactory. In other examples greater care appears to have been taken. He chose the Stainer pattern, and varnished yellow, which, in some instances, has been much oxidised and become brown. Peter
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