(1847 - 1867) Arthur II and John Betts II inherited the family business at London's Royal Exchange from their father, Arthur I in 1847 and instruments with the label 'Arthur and John Betts' were made from this point until the shop closed in 1867. The instrument made by the group involved in the previous year's class is also varnished, strung up, and played. Article. He was universally known as " Old John Betts," and was well respected and patronised. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 First Name (*) Last Name (*) Three Stradivari violins and eleven modern violins were played in a controlled double blind test. English John is also part of an ongoing collaboration with luthier Stephen M. Rossow, and Radiologist Steven A. Sirr, M.D., on a project that uses existing and emerging technologies to explore the structure of-and . Under the sole ownership of Arthur, the workshop became incredibly skilled at imitating the work of the great masters and participated in some of the ethically short-sighted restoration practices that went on during the Victorian era. John Betts (1752 - 1823) was apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765 before becoming established independently in 1781 in Holborn, then the Royal Exchange. He made his own instruments as well as collecting and trading the work of old masters. The Library of Congress is providing access to these materials for educational and research purposes and makes no warranty with regard to their use for other purposes. A deal was made and the instrument changed hands for the sum of only one guinea. John Betts London. There may be content that is protected as "works for hire" (copyright may be held by the party that commissioned the original work) and/or under the copyright or neighboring-rights laws of other nations. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. 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. Close. By 1781 he was working independently and hired . One of the great advantages to having a dealership in conjunction with a workshop is that the makers had access to all sorts of beautiful and important Italian instruments to copy. By 1920, the "Betts" was owned by R. D. Waddell of Glasgow. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Robert Somers Brookings, an economist, founded in 1916 what became the Brookings Institution, a respected private nonprofit public policy organization. Violin by John Betts, English circa 1790 - Auction Result In 2011, John Waddle was in charge of the back, Raymond Shryer, who has his violin shop in Canada, was in charge of the top, Gregg Alf, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was in charge of the rib structure, and Sam Zygmuntowicz, whose violin shop is in Brooklyn, New York, was in charge of the neck and scroll. The violin has a two piece back of highly-figured, quarter sawn maple which is book-matched. Choose whether this website uses functional cookies or cookies for tracking and performance, as described. John Betts school / circle: fine antique English violin circa 1820, Renting or leasing a violin from Corilon violins. Claudia Fritz, Joseph Curtin, and Fan Tao have participated in two other similar tests, in Indiana and Paris. He studied violin making under Richard Duke. Vincenzo Panormo also worked closely with Betts and certainly provided the expertise in making that brought about a change from the Stainer- and Amati-modelled work that Betts himself specialised in, towards fine Stradivari copies. John Betts (1752-1823) In 1765, around the age of 13, John Betts made the 160 kilometer journey to London from his hometown of Stamford. John Betts - Maker - Brompton's Auctioneers , circa 1780Cello. The violin in the photo above has been sold. John Dodd and Thomas Tubbs were among the shop's best suppliers of bows. Arthur & John Betts | Tarisio , circa 1814Violin, John Betts It's questionable how many violins Betts himself made, but he employed an illustrious group of makers such as Tobin, Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, both Bernard Simon Fendts and John Furber, along with other less well known names. Violin Making in the British Isles | Animato Strings The shop thrived for another 20 years before finally closing in 1867, having firmly linked the family name with some of the worlds greatest instruments. Gregg Alf is shown here carving the final shape of the blocks in the rib structure of the copy. It's questionable how many violins John Betts himself made, but he employed an illustrious group of makers such as Tobin, Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, both Bernard Simon Fendts and John Furber, along with other less well known names. His shop was staffed by some of the best 18th and 19th century British craftsmen, including Vincenzo Panormo, Joseph Hill II, Henry Lockey Hill, Richard Tobin, Bernard Simon Fendt, and John Furber. It continued into the 1860s under the direction of Arthur's sons Arthur II and John II before finally closing in 1867. It will be varnished in June of 2012. Bow maker / Violin maker He is holding the violin we made there. Kemp Hall Passage, Ok, got it! Photograph (Form). 2023 Fine Fretted String Instruments. Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1704, "Betts" [Full strung instrument, front and back], Stringed Instruments at the Library of Congress, Musical Instruments at the Library of Congress, Comparison of performances on five violins, Twin Guarneri Violins Reunited at Library, Wilkins Early Stringed Instrument Collection, Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1699, "Castelbarco", Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1700, "Ward", Violin by Nicolo Amati, Cremona, 1654, "Brookings", Violin by Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris, ca. . Photography by Ellen Broughton. London 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. London, Violin - Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of craftsmanship . Arthur managed the Betts shop after his brother's death in 1823, together with his nephew . This catalog data provides the details known to the Library of Congress regarding the corresponding items and may assist users in making independent assessments of the legal status of these items as related to their desired uses. He was born in 1752 in Stamford and died in 1823 in London. Photograph (Form). If you missed the magazine, you can download the pdf here-. . Photograph (Form). 130 High Street, Length of back 35.4cm, stop 132/193mm Violin - It remained a treasured . Below, on the left is a photo of the top of the Betts, compared with a CT scan of the top, and aphoto of our new digitally carved copy of the front of the Betts. The workmanship and varnish have much the same characteristics the latter being, as a rule, of a tint which is a shade warmer than the varnish of Duke. Betts hired many English luthiers that when on to achieve great success, including members of the Hill family (W.E. Sam Zygmuntowicz was in charge of the neck and scroll, and is shown here putting the final touches on the neck. A deal was made and the instrument changed hands for the sum of only one guinea. There was problem sending your activation email, please contact us. John Betts, London, c.1790 - Benjamin Hebbert Fax: +44 (0) 20 7900 3354, Tarisio Berlin His instruments reflect the same care and artistry admired in the cremonese masters. By the time this fine antique violin was crafted in approximately 1820, John Betts was already able to look back on an impressive oeuvre. Article. The striking one-piece maple back of medium and broad curl descending from left to right; the maple ribs of narrower curl; the maple head of broad curl; the two-piece spruce table of mostly fine grain narrowing toward the flanks; the varnish a golden . Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Professional violin, to quote a veteran Gypsy style player. The two of them are shown in the workshop discussing some aspect of the project. We have sent you an email. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820 | Sold Please contact us for more information. Using another set of wood, also carefully selected, John, Steve Sirr, and Steve Rossow have completed another Betts copy violin. It is preserved in fine original condition except for the pegs and bridge. Users should consult the bibliographic information that accompanies each item for specific information. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 available at Johnson String Instrument, New England's largest and most complete violin shop. Article. He died in 1823, leaving the business to his younger brother Arthur, who learned the craft from him. In June of 2011, Steve Rossow, Steve Sirr, and John Waddle went to Oberlin, Ohio, to participate in the Oberlin violin makers workshop. Part of that status comes from the circumstances of its acquisition. Hill and Sons). . photograph | 16 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). We offer buyers and sellers a bespoke private sale service, sourcing exceptional instruments and bows and matching them with the most discerning buyers Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow to recommend an auction estimate and reserve price for your instrument or bow Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow. Article. Please follow the link to confirm your registration. By 1781 he was working independently and hired his first apprentice around that time. It's questionable how many violins John Betts himself made, but he employed an illustrious group of makers such as Tobin, Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, both Bernard Simon Fendts and John Furber, along with other less well known names. This violin has an electric vibrancy, as though the sound is just waiting to burst out. - 115 auction price results. Cookie Policy With such an incredible team in the workshop, John Betts was free to focus on importing some of the finest Italian violins for sale. He famously bought the 'Betts' Stradivari violin for the sum of one guinea from a naive customer around 1820. Suite BCampbell, CA 95008(408) 879-9930Mon - Sat 9am - 5:30pm. Dismiss. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The violin is an absolutely stunning Nicol Amati copy. 1730, "Kreisler", Violin by Giuseppe Guaneri, Cremona, ca. Please contact: Performing Arts Reading Room. The workmanship and varnish have much the same . Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Rare Cello | John Betts | English Violoncellos | Skinner Inc. I am part of an ongoing collaboration with Luthier Stephen Rossow and Radiologist Steven A. Sirr, MD., on a project that uses existing and emerging technologies to explore the structure of- and ultimately replicate- famous violins. Betts was a violinist, teacher, and violin dealer. He . By William Meredith Morris. His shop employed many of the best contemporary makers, including Joseph and Lockey Hill, and later Vincenzo Panormo and Bernard Simon Fendt. Fendts. Brobst Violin Shop 5584 General Washington Dr Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 256-0566. brobstviolinshop@gmail . Here is a picture of the finished copy. Violin making is what John was trained to do at The Violin Making School of America, in Salt Lake City, Utah (1978-1981). Betts, John | Ingles & Hayday The words "Jo. He was not an exceptional luthier but he had a good eye for business and was therefore able to provide a livelihood for many of the most notable makers of the day. Germany, Email: info.berlin@tarisio.com the last line being written. - The auction record for this maker is $61,875 in Nov 2001, for a cello. To be able to use Corilon violins in full range, we recommend activating Javascript in your browser. Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, "Betts". John Betts was born in Stamford, England, in 1752. This violin was part of an event in conjunction with Cremona Mondomusica in New York city in March of 2013, called "Stradivari vs. the Modern Violin". Using a carefully selected matching top, back, neck and scroll carved by Steve Rossow on his CNC machine directly from computer files generated from CT scans of "the Betts" violin, the Oberlin Betts copy was completed by the class as a group project to the point of being playable but without varnish. Tarisio Auctions Marketing cookies are used to track the effectiveness of advertising, to provide more relevant services, and to deliver better ads that suit your interests. Tel: +1 212 307 7224 If you are interested in purchasing one of the instruments, contact Chris Germain. In turn his workshop influenced the leading makers of the day to look towards increasingly detailed copying of Cremonese masterpieces, assisted to a great extent by his relationship with Vincenzo Panormo, an Italian maker working in London. Betts was a talented maker himself and also employed some of the most talented English makers of the period, including . Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820. Submit button. (1752 1823), Little is known about the early life of John Betts, son of Edward Betts, a farmer from Stamford. Ward owned the violin for over 40 years; on his death it passed to the Hills. We hold two auctions a year at Sothebys in London, generally in March and October. This is a composite violin: the back, ribs and scroll were made by Andrea Guarneri in 1694 and the replacement front was made by John Betts in the 1790s. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permission ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. Fine English violin, John Betts school circa 1820 - YouTube This website uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. John died in 1823 and the shop continued as the centre of expertise in London, under his sons John and Arthur, until 1867. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 John Betts cello, London circa 1810 First Name (*) Last Name (*) My Phone. London, Sign up to receive Carteggio features directly. The "Betts" is among the most legendary violins from Stradivari's workshop. The Strad magazine has generously allowed us to reproduce two articles in this presentation: Exhibition Report: Born in the USA (July 2006) and National Treasure (November 2006). His own workmanship was replaced by the efforts of his many employees after Read more. Company number: 9889926. The "Ward" acquired its name from J. Other modern violins also did well. Steve Sirr and John Waddle have been CT scanning violins, violas, and cellos since 1989. The luminous golden-brown varnish is so transparent that even the most nuanced details of the tightly flamed maple used for the back can be seen, and the blackened edges of the small and charmingly shaped scroll round out this violin; it has been kept in very good condition and has undergone only minor repairs that are fitting for an instrument of its advanced age. How much is my John Betts Violin worth? , circa 1800Viola, John Betts In about 1820, an individual entered Betts' shop at the Royal Exchange in London and offered the violin in its pristine state. In 1923, Jay C. Freeman of Wurlitzer approached Waddell in Scotland and came away with the "Betts" as well as the "Leduc" Guarneri. In Images: Making a Stradivarius Violin | Live Science Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, "Betts". It is of the Amati model, plain wood, golden-brown varnish, with rather wide sound-holes. Arthur Betts used the violin for the rest of his career. A sheer joy to play! My great-grandfather ordered a violoncello of Betts in the year 1780, to be made by Betts himself. Next to that is a photo of the new copy. This violin, a copy of the "Ole Bull" Guarneri, is finished and has been sold. The "Betts" is among the most legendary violins from Stradivari's workshop. Email: Books from Amati. Read Less. Article. John Betts school: fine antique English violin circa 1820 - Corilon violins Songs and Music. 1730, "Goldberg-Baron Vitta", Viola by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1690, "Tuscan-Medici", Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1704, "Betts", - Leaders of the group are chosen to be in charge of different parts of the project each year. He moved to London at the age of 12 to apprentice with Richard Duke. London The Oberlin violin makers workshop has been in operation for fifteen years. The Violin Shop: Stradivaris, Amatis, Guarneris, and more at the (born February 17, 1949 in Moncton, New Brunswick) is a teacher and a New Brunswick politician. It's questionable how many violins Betts himself made, but he employed an illustrious group of makers such as Tobin, Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, both Bernard Simon Fendts and John Furber, along with other less well known names. This violin has been purchased, and donated to the Library of Congress. 28-30 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HG. In 1765 he moved to London to apprentice with Richard Duke and after seven years he became shop foreman, eventually buying the business from Duke's daughter. John Betts John Willis Betts, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820 | SOLD - Martin Swan Violins This violin from about 1790 is stamped on the back Betts / Royal Exchange / London. Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of . Here is a picture of the 2011 Oberlin Workshop participants. If you currently own a John Betts Violin, click the button below to receive a free valuation: Violin Valuation. Users may need to contact The Strad for any re-use of the articles. Of the estimated 1,000 violins originally crafted . Professional violin, to quote a veteran Gypsy style player. John Waddle has assembled the violin, varnished it and set it up. photograph | 35 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). John Edward Betts - Wikipedia Privacy Policy 1795 John Betts for Sale at Fine Fretted String Instruments London, W1G 9RL Brompton's reference library, in association with Claudio Amighetti, provides you with the price of a Violin by John Betts from Brompton's March 2012 auction results. Ingles & Hayday would like to send you information about our events and services, by post, telephone and email. Photograph (Form). He came to London to work for Richard Duke in Holborn in 1765. , 1803Viola, John Betts You already have a Tarisio account. John (I) Betts. He used two or three different labels. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 | Carriage House Violins Betts business became a focus for the market for old Cremonese violins. The woods used for the copy are selected for their density, grain structure, and visual similarity to the Betts violin. A POSSIBLY JOHN BETTS VIOLIN with an internal handwritten paper label Tel: +44 (0) 20 7354 5763 including this fine violin, Betts' greatest importance was as an expert and entrepreneur, responsible for making London a major centre of violin making activity in the 19th century. These cookies provide basic security, authentication and network management functions. photograph | 20 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). Call us on:0207 175 1644 It can carve wood more accurately than a human can. In 1781 he was established there independently and in the following year he moved to the Royal Exchange, where he remained for the rest of his career. It simply isn't true that old violins always sound better than new ones. In 1765 he moved to London to apprentice with Richard Duke and after seven years he became shop foreman, eventually buying the business from Duke's daughter. The Betts violin was the focus of the 2011 Oberlin Workshop, and John Waddle, Steve Sirr, and I were excited to have renowned makers such as Gregg Alf, Chris Germain, Bill Scott, Raymond Shryer, and Sam Zygmuntowicz join us in working on a group project creating a copy of the Betts, using a top, back, neck, and scroll that I had carved using CT . Its everything we look for in a violin: the perfect combination of warmth, projection and flexibility of tone. The varnishing was be done by Jeff Phillips and Antoine Nedelec in Oberlin. Can you tell which is which? The violin is in exceptional original condition. Using our new process of reverse engineering, and choosing wood carefully, we can make consistently good sounding violins that are comparable to instruments made in the past and not accessible to the public.