Born in Ireland, 1837. Capable performer on the violin, 'cello and double-bass. Began 1860 without instructor, to make instruments. Worked at Stockton-on¬Tees. Died 1906. Awarded prize medal for excellence of work,. at Liverpool Exhibition 1886. Outline follows that of a Stradivarius. Arching slightly deviates from that classic model. Sound-holes give the impression of a perfectly free and easy manner of manipulation. Purfling, corners and edges all neatly finished. Scroll furnishes something to admire beyond the pale of commonplace interest. Amber oil varnish specially prepared by himself, a richly tinted yellow beautifying the splendid workmanship. Some early instruments have a .thin yellow varnish similar to some French factory fiddles, and often unevenly applied, Wood generally nicely figured. Bold semi-circular button not to everyone's taste. Tone now powerful, and only of fair quality; this, as a matter of fact IS surpnsmg considering his first-class workmanship, but we attribute this to his arching originality. Conse¬quently his productions seldom exceed £15 in value. Made more than 500 VIOlIns, 'cellos and double-basses. £50, 1960.
Born in Ireland, 1837. Capable performer on the violin, 'cello and double-bass. Began 1860 without instructor, to make instruments. Worked at Stockton-on¬Tees. Died 1906. Awarded prize medal for excellence of work,. at Liverpool Exhibition 1886. Outline follows that of a Stradivarius. Arching slightly deviates from that classic model. Sound-holes give the impression of a perfectly free and easy manner of manipulation. Purfling, corners and edges all...
Lindsay,Michael H.
