Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 378
Scan 378
the history of the violin, 1864
12 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 356. See the scan on archive.org.
1The few instruments which have been seen show that he made inferior as well as highly-finished ones; the violins and tenors were of the Stradiuarius pattern, and of the lower class work, with a glossy varnish, evidently alcoholic, made more ductile by admixture of a soft gum, or, what is more probable, with Venice turpentine. The most perfect specimen that we know of this maker is a violoncello, formerly the property of the late Robert Lindley, who sold it to George J. Farsyde, Esq., of Fylingdales, near Whitby, Yorkshire, in whose possession it still remains, and is fully appreciated. This instrument has an oil varnish of yellow colour, with a slight tinge of red, the pattern rather long, and the model high. The head has a peculiarity which deteriorates from its gracefulness by the volute or scroll having nearly a whole turn more than is usual; they are not, however, all made in that form. It would appear that he occasionally worked for the trade, as a violoncello of this maker has been seen stamped on the back, under the button, with letters exceedingly small, and one name above the other, thus:—
3"Norris
4and
5Barnes."
7Also, a spurious label of "Banks" was placed inside.
9If conclusions may be drawn from the dates which are known, then William Hill will be the elder of two brothers who settled in London, and in the year 1741 was residing in Poland Street. Henry Hill, a relative, in his MSS., gives copies of two labels that were used, thus:—
11"William Hill, Maker, in Poland Street, near Broad Street. 1741."
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