Scan 254
The Violin: Its Famous Makers and their Imitators, 1875
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 196. See the scan on archive.org.
1LOTT, John Frederick, 1775—1853. Was a German by birth. He was engaged in the cabinet business in early life. He was induced by Fendt to turn his attention to making Violins, and ultimately obtained employment under Thomas Dodd, making many of the Violoncellos and Double-Basses that carry the label of Dodd within them. His work was of a most finished description. His Double-Basses are splendid instruments, and will bear comparison with Italian work. His varnish was far from equal to his finish. The time he spent in making these instruments was double that which any other English maker expended over similar work. There is not a single portion of any of his Double-Basses that has been carelessly made: the interior is as beautifully finished as the exterior. The machines on many of his Basses were made by himself, a very unusual circumstance. The scrolls are finely cut. He was certainly the king of the English Double-Bass makers, and his name will long live among Contra-Bassists.
3LOTT, George Frederick, London, born, 1800; died, 1868. Son of the above. Many years with Davis of Coventry Street. Was an excellent judge of Italian instruments, and a clever imitator.
5LOTT, John Frederick, London, younger brother of the above, died about 1871. Was articled to Davis. Has made many clever imitations. He was also an ardent lover of Cremonese instruments, and thoroughly understood their characteristics.
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