Scan 236
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1875
11 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 76. See the scan on archive.org.
1Betts, Edward, also a pupil of Richard Duke, copied his master with considerable skill. Of course in trying to imitate Duke he was copying Amati, Richard Duke having spent his life in working after the Amati pattern, without attempting to model for himself. The care bestowed by Edward Betts on his instruments was of no ordinary kind. The workmanship throughout is of the most delicate description; indeed, it may be said that neatness is gained at the expense of individuality in many of his works. Each part is faultless in finish, but when viewed as a whole the result is too mechanical, giving as it does the notion of its having been turned out of a mould. Nevertheless, this maker takes rank with the foremost of the English copyists, and in his instruments we have as good specimens of undisguised work as can be readily found. They will be yearly more valued.
3Bolles. Made Lutes and Viols.
4Booth, William, 1779, Leeds.
5Booth, son of the above, Leeds.
6Boucher, London, 1764.
7Brown, James, London, born 1670, died 1834. Worked with Thomas Kennedy.
8Brown, James, London, son of the above, born 1786, died 1860.
9Cahusac, London, 1788. Associated with the sons of Banks.
10Carter, John, London, 1789, worked with John Betts.
Makers on this page
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