Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 386
Scan 386
the history of the violin, 1864
14 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 364. See the scan on archive.org.
1As the two brothers, James and Henry Banks, appear to have been associated together, or partners in the musical business soon, if not immediately, after the death of the father, they will not be separated in this account. James Banks was the fourth son, and Henry Banks the sixth son of the first-named Benjamin Banks, both of whom were born in Salisbury. James seemed to inherit, as an artisan, all the excellencies of his parent. He worked from the same patterns, the style of finishing being similar and the tint of varnish the same; but occasionally the red-coloured varnish had more black in it than was used by the father. Henry Banks did not work at the violin trade, but was a pianoforte tuner and repairer. There are numerous labels in instruments showing they were in trade together; and in 1802 they had also become music-sellers. The following is a copy of a label at that period:—
3"James and Henry Banks,
4Musical Instrument Makers,
5and Music Sellers,
618 Salisbury, 02."
8The caprice of the parent, regarding the marking of instruments, descended to the sons, as we find a different label used two years afterwards:—
10"James and Henry Banks,
11Salisbury. 1804."
13And, "J. & H. Banks" stamped on the blocks and other parts of the various instruments. They carried on their various departments of business in Catherine Street, Salisbury, until 1811, when they sold the same to Mr. Alexander Lucas, the father of the present Mr. Charles Lucas, the Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, and went to reside in Liverpool. They first located in
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