Scan 305
The violin, its famous makers and their imitators, 1887
27 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
A town on its own line is one of the directory's headings. That is where the town on a maker's page comes from.
1being no trace of any British Violin-maker previous to that time. His work is quite different from that of the old English Viol-makers. The instruments of Rayman are of a somewhat rough exterior, but full of character. The form is flat, considering the general style of the work. The sound-holes are striking, although not graceful in any way. The scroll is diminutive, but well cut. The varnish is very fine. In the catalogue of the effects of Tom Britton, mention is made of "an extraordinary Rayman."
3RICHARDS, Edwin, London, now living. Maker and repairer.
5ROOK, Joseph, Carlisle, about 1800.
7ROSSE (or Ross), John, Bridewell, London, about 1562. Made Viols and Bandoras.
9Ross, John, London, about 1596. Son of the above. Maker of Viols. The varnish is excellent in quality.
11SHAW, London, 1655.
13SIMPSON, London, 1785.
15John Simpson,
16Musical Instrument Maker,
17At the Bass-Viol and Flute,
18In Sweeting's Alley,
19Opposite the East door of the Royal Exchange,
20London.
22SMITH, Henry, London, 1629. Maker of Viols.
24SMITH, Thomas, London. Pupil of Peter Wamsley, and his successor at the Harp and Hautboy.
26Made by Thos. Smith, at the Harp and Hautboy, in Pickadilly, London. 1756.
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