Born in Scotland, 1699. Worked in London, 1730-1785. Had the invariable propensity for copying the high built Stainer model, but managed, also, to get a slight touch of the Italian. Avoided the Stainer tubbiness usually associated with English makers. Scroll, though rather small, shows his acute perception of the artistic, also his general fineness of feeling adds charming delicacy to the sound-holes.
Purfling altogether superior to anything accomplished by contemporaries. Edges nicely finished. His fine intent and sensibility of mind gave distinction to whole contour. Wood frequently very handsome. Good looking spirit varnish of brown¬ish yellow shade, not particularly transparent, and thinly applied. Refined work¬manship, exterior and interior. Tonal quality generally mellow, and offair strength. Early instruments not labelled, many being sold to other makers. Earliest dated instrument is 1743. No doubt several have been re-labelled with other names,far more influential. £30 a safe speculation.
Born in Scotland, 1699. Worked in London, 1730-1785. Had the invariable propensity for copying the high built Stainer model, but managed, also, to get a slight touch of the Italian. Avoided the Stainer tubbiness usually associated with English makers. Scroll, though rather small, shows his acute perception of the artistic, also his general fineness of feeling adds charming delicacy to the sound-holes.
Purfling altogether superior to anything accomplished b...