Violins: 1795 John Betts

John Betts London

$21,000

Lob 352mm. He was born in 1752 in Stamford and died in 1823 in London. Apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765, subsequently buying the business from Duke’s daughter Anne. In 1781 he was established independently in Holborn, moving to Royal Exchange in 1782. He employed G. Gillingham, Edward Betts and John Carter, then Vincenzo Panormo, Joseph and Henry Lockey Hill, Richard Tobin, Bernard Fendt (father and son), John Furber, and a minor maker named Isaac Newton. Betts himself became Official Valuer of violins to the Customs office. While these craftsmen produced a very important body of work, particularly the cellos which have become highly sought-after, Betts’ greatest importance was as a violin expert.

Professional violin, to quote a veteran Gypsy style player. Composite, newer top (19th century) original back and sides.