Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 303
Scan 303
the history of the violin, 1864
22 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 281. See the scan on archive.org.
A town on its own line is one of the directory's headings. That is where the town on a maker's page comes from.
1Her tenant was Mrs. Benson, the sister of Mrs. Stephen Kemble, both daughters of Satchell, the musical instrument maker to the Prince of Wales."
3SIMPSON, JOHN. Although instruments have been seen possessing printed labels similar to that given at the conclusion of this article, yet it is doubtful if he was a maker of the violin class. Those fiddles which have been seen were not of good workmanship or tone, and looked like the style of those usually sold at the music houses. There can be little doubt but this John Simpson was the father of the following James Simpson, therefore prior to the date ascertained of the latter, the label being so much alike and in the same locality:—
5"John Simpson,
6Musical Instrument Maker,
7At the Bass Viol and Flute,
8in Sweeting's Alley,
9Opposite the East door of ye Royal Exchange
10London."
12The Musical Directory for 1794, p. 60, gives the name of a firm: "James Simpson and Son, Instrument Makers, No. 15, Sweeting's Alley, Cornhill." The label used was—
14"J. & J. Simpson,
15Musical Instrument Makers,
16At the Bass Viol & Flute,
17in Sweeting's Alley,
18Opposite the East Door of the Royal Exchange,
19London."
21SMITH, WILLIAM. There were two makers of this name, or it may be the same person moved to another place, and it is believed he or they were not related to
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.