BANKS, BENJAMIN
Born 1727. Studied the art with Peter Wamsley in London. Settled at Salisbury. Died there 1795. Buried in the churchyard of St. Thomas - tombstone near south door on right-hand side.
Finest instruments modelled on the grand pattern of Nicolò Amati, with a few modest modifications. Solid and robust construction - workmanship represents the quintessence of elaborate finish achieved by the soul-enthusiastic idealist. Exquisite arching, every point being complementary to the other - splendid margins, edges beautifully rounded, corners full and of true Amati style. Scrolls unfortunately not so ingeniously contrived. Grain of belly wood remarkably even, and of medium width. Varnish either of a dark plum-red or a beautiful purplish cherry shade, finely transparent, and offering a veritable picture on the prettily flamed backs, but sometimes less satisfactory on the bellies, where it somewhat clogs the fibre. Very agreeable tone with far-ringing penetration. Ideal for quartet playing.
Specimen dated 1755 - body length 14 inches, upper bouts 6-5/8; lower 8-1/8.
Also made Stainer-model instruments - probably for the trade as they lack the finish of the Amati models. Most of them slightly over 14 inches in length. Perceptible narrowing of upper part, arching somewhat exaggerated, accentuated ridge between f-holes - not faithful copies of the Stainer. Dark red varnish, thick and muddy.
BANKS, BENJAMIN
Born 1727. Studied the art with Peter Wamsley in London. Settled at Salisbury. Died there 1795. Buried in the churchyard of St. Thomas - tombstone near south door on right-hand side.
Finest instruments modelled on the grand pattern of Nicolò Amati, with a few modest modifications. Solid and robust construction - workmanship represents the quintessence of elaborate finish achieved by the soul-enthusiastic idealist. Exquisite arching, e...
Banks,Benjamin (1)
