Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 371
Scan 371
the history of the violin, 1864
12 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 349. See the scan on archive.org.
1to state that he had imparted to him, in preference to the family, the method of making the fine varnish. The date of 1810 is sufficient to falsify these statements, as William Forster (2) died in 1808, and it is most probable that Gilkes had never seen him. Samuel Gilkes became an excellent workman, and received much patronage during his own career, both as a maker and dealer, which, however, was of short duration, for he died in November 1827, at his residence, previously given, and was buried in his native village. He made instruments of three or four different classes, and supplied many to music sellers and dealers in the country; but we are unable to state the number or quality of those manufactured. The label used was as follows:—
3"Gilkes
4From Forster's
5Violin, and Violoncello Maker
634 James Street, Buckingham Gate
7Westminster."
9His son, William Gilkes, who was born in Grey Coat Street, Tothill Fields, Westminster, about 1811, was taught violin-making by the father, and succeeded him at his residence, but subsequently was in Dartmouth Street; however, he did not long continue as a maker of musical instruments, giving a preference to performing on the violin in quadrille bands, and occasionally at theatres. At length the business was given up altogether, and he accepted some appointment on board one of the ships of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. No instrument has been seen made by William Gilkes, therefore an opinion cannot be offered as to his capabilities of workmanship.
11John Hart was born 17th December, 1805, in West-
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