Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 365
Scan 365
the history of the violin, 1864
8 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 343. See the scan on archive.org.
1deprived him of life, almost instantly, on the 8th October, 1824, in the prime of manhood, being only thirty-six years of age.
3The particulars regarding Gilkes perhaps should be inserted here; but it is deemed advisable to carry the family name to a close, as the one next mentioned, who yet struggles with the "battle of life," is the last of the race that is likely to be violin, viola, and violoncello maker.
5Simon Andrew Forster is the fourth son of William Forster (3), and was born on the 13th May, 1801, at No. 348, Strand, the house which was known as the Courier Newspaper Office, and pulled down for the approaches to Waterloo Bridge from Catherine Street. He is indebted to his father and brother William Forster (4), particularly the latter, for the knowledge acquired in making violins, tenors, and violoncellos, &c. Gilkes also has a small claim, but very small, of imparting instruction. It was not to his interest to do so, therefore the progress in early years was not very rapid. However, at that period, perhaps the work-room may have been neglected, as music was studied as a profession in the choir of Westminster Abbey, which gave the right of education in Westminster School. Notwithstanding Gilkes did not do his duty, when it is taken into consideration how much his position in life was advanced by the improved knowledge imparted to him in the style of work of the family, and the receipt of wages at the time from the parent. This deficiency was fully rectified by the attentions of the father and brother, after Gilkes had ceased to work for the house.
7A list will now follow of the best instruments, and the year in which they were made, also the name of the person who first purchased them. The label used in
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