Composite, newer top (19th century) original back and sides. Using another set of wood, also carefully selected, John, Steve Sirr, and Steve Rossow have completed another Betts copy violin. Please contact us for more information. Betts was a talented maker himself and also employed some of the most talented English makers of the period, including . 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. Part of that status comes from the circumstances of its acquisition. Suite B Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 879-9930 . . John Betts. Next to it is a CT scan of the back. The violin is an absolutely stunning Nicol Amati copy. 28-30 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HG. The height of the two f-holes varies, which might be explained by a technique that Stradivari used. Please get in touch for more details about this beautiful English violin for sale by Arthur and John Betts. Here is a picture of Raymond Shryer smoothing the top for the Betts copy with a scraper. Article. John Betts London. London How much is my John Betts Violin worth? Please contact: Performing Arts Reading Room. You can contact the auctioneer on +44 (0)1543 251081 for more information. Established 1982 Tel: 020 7249 9398 . In 1923, Jay C. Freeman of Wurlitzer approached Waddell in Scotland and came away with the "Betts" as well as the "Leduc" Guarneri. , circa 1800Viola, John Betts We were allowed to play it. In June of 2011, Steve Rossow, Steve Sirr, and John Waddle went to Oberlin, Ohio, to participate in the Oberlin violin makers workshop. John Betts Auction Results. John died in 1823 and the shop continued as the centre of expertise in London, under his sons John and Arthur, until 1867. 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. The 2010 project was to make a copy of the "Ole Bull" Guarneri violin, which was finished in 2011 . Below, on the left, is a photo of the back of the Betts. Tarisio Auctions He came to London to work for Richard Duke in Holborn in 1765. Cookie Policy Photography by Ellen Broughton. Over the course of its history the shop produced a large range of instruments, from inexpensive models with painted purfling to some of the most exquisite Stradivari and Guarneri copies in the history of British violin making. Amati, in collaboration with leading experts, have published a few key books in the field of stringed instruments. This violin from about 1790 is stamped on the back Betts / Royal Exchange / London. Contact Us. Here is a vioiin being scanned. Photograph (Form). The "Betts" is one of Stradivari's finest works--marking the beginning of what is described as his golden period. Brobst Violin Shop 5584 General Washington Dr Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 256-0566. brobstviolinshop@gmail . In London, he apprenticed as a luthier with Richard Duke, one of the city's most notable violinmakers of the 18th century. Using the same digital computer files generated by Steve Sirr, and used to make the parts for the violin made in Oberlin, Steve Rossow has carved Stradivari's archings into the new top, and back, and Stradivar's original shapes of the neck neck and scroll on his CNC machine. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permission ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. His refusal to allow Charles to profit from the purchase led to the partners falling out. Tel: +1 212 307 7224 London, Sign up to receive Carteggio features directly. In the first instance, we suggest submitting good-quality images to us, preferably by email to info@ingleshayday.com or by completing the valuation form. The history of the Stradivarius violin, now known as "the Betts", up to the early 1820's, is completely unknown, but it was at that time that an unknown person walked into the violin shop of Arthur Betts and his nephew, with the violin and offered it for sale. Email (*) Message (*) Enter Captcha. . It is of the Amati model, plain wood, golden-brown varnish, with rather wide sound-holes. - The auction record for this maker is $61,875 in Nov 2001, for a cello. This outstanding reputation may be why John Betts was always able to engage excellent violin makers such as Richard Tobin, Henry Lockey Hill and members of the famous Panormo family as his employees. 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. United Kingdom, Email: info.london@tarisio.com 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. About the violin. The instrument is the work of one of his students or another luthier who upheld the Betts tradition, making it a worthy representative of early 19thcentury English violin making, and its interesting, stylish aesthetic is just as compelling as its exceptionally beautiful sound. Leaders of the group are chosen to be in charge of different parts of the project each year. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. He became known as an expert dealer and businessman, and was appointed Official Valuer of violins to the Customs Office. Not surprisingly, the nephew thought the violin should belong to the firm, but Arthur claimed that since he bought it with his own money, (one guinea) it was his. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200155591/. 11th Floor New York, NY 10019 Can you tell which is which? A panel of experts there chose our violin over the three Stradivari's in the test. He opened an attractive premises and amongst his luthiers were . Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, "Betts". Three Stradivari violins and eleven modern violins were played in a controlled double blind test. Here is a picture of the 2011 Oberlin Workshop participants. Articles, - Email: Please login to continue. Of the estimated 1,000 violins originally crafted . The written permission of the copyright owners and/or other rights holders (such as holders of publicity and/or privacy rights) is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use or other statutory exemptions. 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. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7354 5763 Under Arthur especially the shop became known for its reproductions of historic instruments, similar to the activities of J.B. Vuillaume in Paris. He was universally known as " Old John Betts," and was well respected and patronised. This area corresponds with the dimensions of the original fingerboard giving a clue to the range of notes that a musician could play. Arthur Betts and Charles Vernon continued the shop for a few years before Arthurs famous purchase of the 1704 Betts Stradivari for the princely sum of one guinea. Oxford, OX1 4DH Next to that, to the right is a photo of our digitally carved copy of the back of Betts. photograph | 16 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). The Oberlin violin makers workshop has been in operation for fifteen years. 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. Below, Chris Germain (shown on the left) is the director of the workshop and has a violin shop in Philadelphia, PA.. John Montgomery takes care of the instruments in the Library of Congress, and has a violin shop in Raleigh, North Carolina. Article. a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate. please inquire . The violin was made in 1704, and retains what is believed to be its original untouched label. John Montgomery, Sam Zygmuntowicz, Raymond Shryer also did some needed tonal adjustments on it. London Kurfrstendamm 28 The Library of Congress would like to learn more about these materials and would like to hear from individuals or institutions that have any additional information or know of their history. Article. The varnish is extremely well preserved and retains some of its original texture. 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. He became known as an expert dealer and businessman, and was appointed Official Valuer of violins to the Customs Office. By the time this fine antique violin was crafted in approximately 1820, John Betts was already able to look back on an impressive oeuvre. He was universally known as " Old John Betts," and was well respected and patronised. This instrument is now in my possession, and in excellent condition, having been recently repaired by Mr. J. W. Owen of Leeds. John Betts Nationalit Ca Wikipdia en Franais. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820. London The tone is moderately powerful, and very sweet and mellow. London, c.1785. The workmanship and varnish have much the same . John Betts John Willis Betts, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed. Betts himself became Official Valuer of violins to the Customs office. The Betts family name came to prominence in the violin making world thanks to the work of John Betts, born in Stamford in 1752. As on the "Tuscan-Medici" viola [see below], the top under the fingerboard is not varnished in an area extending down 5.5 cm from the neck foot. It was given the the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, along with several other Cremonese masterpieces, by the last owner, Mrs. Gertrude Clarke Whittall in the mid 1930's, and remains there today. Highest auction price achieved. He came to London to work for Richard Duke in Holborn in 1765. Whoever he was, he didn't know what he had, and accepted Arthur Bett's offer of one Guinea. 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. 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). Photograph (Form). 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. A very successful employee, Betts assumed the role of shop foreman . Choose whether this website uses functional cookies or cookies for tracking and performance, as described. Items included here with the permission of the rights holders are indicated as such in the bibliographic record for each item. Article. Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of craftsmanship and tone. 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 . Here is a picture of the finished copy. The Betts family name came to prominence in the violin making world thanks to the work of John Betts, born in Stamford in 1752. Betts was one of the first in this country to do extensive business in Italian instruments, and a large number of fine violins found their way into this country in his time. His shop employed many of the best contemporary makers, including Joseph and Lockey Hill, and later Vincenzo Panormo and Bernard Simon Fendt. It remained a treasured part of Betts' collection, but after the death of his son in 1852, the violin came into the hands of Hills of London and then a succession of distinguished owners. Violin - The violin has a two piece back of highly-figured, quarter sawn maple which is book-matched. If you currently own a John Betts Violin, click the button below to receive a free valuation: 2023 Brompton's Auctioneers Limited | The First Floor 33 Percy St. London W1T 2DF, Web design by Karolo Article. This violin, a copy of the "Ole Bull" Guarneri, is finished and has been sold. If you currently own a John Betts Violin, click the button below to receive a free valuation: Violin Valuation. John Edward Betts (also known as John Betts I, 1755-1823) was an English luthier, a crafter of stringed instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars and harps. (1775 - 1847) Younger brother of John Betts, Arthur Betts was a good violinist and had lessons from Viotti himself. Ward owned the violin for over 40 years; on his death it passed to the Hills. Betts, the leading instrument dealer of his time in London, was one of the first to import Italian instruments. By 1781 he was working independently and hired . Other modern violins also did well. Bow maker / Violin maker After many years working for Duke, Betts became the foreman of his workshop and eventually took over the business. These cookies collect data to remember the choices users make on the website. Violins and cellos for sale in London from Bridgewood & Neitzert Ltd: The UK's leading violin dealers, restorers & makers. John Betts violin label. In 1781 he was established independently in Holborn, moving to Royal Exchange in 1782. The Betts Stradivarius violin was the focus of the workshop. The violin is recognized as one of Stradivari's best examples. English Next to him is Gregg Alf. There was problem sending your activation email, please contact us. If you missed the magazine, you can download the pdf here-. Article. What a good looking bunch! 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 . The workmanship is solid and sober, without being refined and artistic like the work of Betts' master. Photograph (Form). 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. It was he who established the great Betts workshop in Holborns Royal Exchange around 1782. For auction updates, special offers and news please sign up to our mailing list. In addition to his work as a maker, Betts imported the highest-caliber Read More Italian instruments to London, and was partly responsible for the ascent of Stradivari's reputation to equal Stainer's in public opinion of the period. If you choose to continue using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Tarisio 2023, The Muntz, Bower, Lam, an exceptional violin bow by Franois Xavier Tourte. What a good looking bunch! Tel: +49 30 9404 5443, Terms of Use Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, "Betts". It will be varnished in June of 2012. Photograph (Form). These cookies provide basic security, authentication and network management functions. Apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765, subsequently buying the business from Dukes daughter Anne. John (I) Betts. By 1920, the "Betts" was owned by R. D. Waddell of Glasgow. Marketing cookies are used to track the effectiveness of advertising, to provide more relevant services, and to deliver better ads that suit your interests. After many years working for Duke, Betts became the foreman of his workshop and eventually took over the business. 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. He moved to London at the age of 12 to apprentice with Richard Duke. Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of . London It bears its original label. Even Stradivari violins need adjusting from time to time. Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, "Betts". To be able to use Corilon violins in full range, we recommend activating Javascript in your browser. John Betts was born in Stamford, England, in 1752. 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. 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 . He died in 1823, leaving the business to his younger brother Arthur, who learned the craft from him. Unfortunately, your registration has been declined by the auctioneer. Violins and Violin Makers Biographical Dictionary of the Great Italian Artistes, their Followers and Imitators, to the present time. The violin is in stunning original condition with no cracks. Suite BCampbell, CA 95008(408) 879-9930Mon - Sat 9am - 5:30pm. 35.6 cm London, 1810 c. after "Nicolo Amati", 73.6 cm London, Early 19th C. [Workshop of]. They kept the company name but changed the labels to Arthur and John Betts. Instruments made at the workshop are offered for sale to the public, with the proceeds going to keep the workshop in operation. Betts business became a focus for the market for old Cremonese violins. The one inserted into the violoncello just referred to reads : Betts was very careful in selecting and preparing his wood, and his craftsmanship is equally precise. Close. His teacher had been none other than the famous violinist, Giovanni Battista Viotti, who played a 1709 golden period Stradivari violin, so Arthur knew what he was doing. Instrument Making. [Web.] Some people have been surprised that modern violins could sound as good as a Stradivarius, but in three well documented tests now, this has been proven to be the case. London, Violin - violins@hebberts.com, Laurent Bourlier (III), Mirecourt, c.1820. One of the many things that is pleasing about this beautiful instrument is that it represents some of the very best work of both makers. Fendts. 1730, "Kreisler", Violin by Giuseppe Guaneri, Cremona, ca. 2023 Fine Fretted String Instruments. Ward of London. These cookies cannot be disabled and you cannot use the website without them. John Betts. The original neck is in the old style. Lob 352mm. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Amati, in collaboration with leading experts, have published a few key books in the field of stringed instruments. This website uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of . Talk to the Brompton's Team +44 (0)207 580 9550 . 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. John Waddle has assembled the violin, varnished it and set it up. John Betts (1752 - 1823) was apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765 before becoming established independently in 1781 in Holborn, then the Royal Exchange. Gregg is holding the violin made by the class in 2010 and varnished in 2011. He was a pupil of Richard Duke, and, in the few instruments made by himself, showed that he had imbibed much of Duke's lore. We use the digital information from the CT scans to make STL (stereolithography) files to directly transfer the carving of Stradivari's original archings into new tops and backs, and to directly transfer the shapes of Stradivari's original necks, and scrolls, using a CNC machine made and operated by Steve Rossow. Normally one violin, viola, or cello, is made by the class (up to varnishing), strung up "in the white", and played, as a group project during the two week session. The violin in the photo above has been sold. Germany, Email: info.berlin@tarisio.com Please follow the link to confirm your registration. 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. The violin is in exceptional original condition. 43883.00. Italian instruments to London, and was partly responsible for the ascent of, Sales Tax (New York, London and Berlin Sales), Panormo The life and work of Vincenzo and his sons Latest research, new biography, 22 instruments and bows, LSO Digital Exhibition, Violins of the LSO Violin Festival. London, England c. 1790-1810 Length of Back: 36.0 cm Upper Bout: 16.1 cm Middle Bout: 11.0 cm Lower Bout: 20.0 cm Certificates on file: Bein & Fushi 1984 William Lewis and Son 1957 Gregg Alf was in charge of the varnishing of this violin, and did a beautiful job. His instruments reflect the same care and artistry admired in the cremonese masters. Betts, No. (b Stamford, Lincolnshire, 1752; d London, 1823) One of the most important and influential violin makers in England in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, John Betts was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, in 1752. His own workmanship was replaced by the efforts of his many employees after Read more. He made his own instruments as well as collecting and trading the work of old masters. They liaised with my insurers and started work within days . Betts made fewer instruments in his later years, his reputation as an expert and connoisseur fully established. The following images are of violin known as the Betts, by Antonio Stradivari, made in 1704. The Betts Stradivarius violin was the focus of the workshop. 1871, Violin by Giuseppe Guarneri, Cremona, ca. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820. Violin making is what John was trained to do at The Violin Making School of America, in Salt Lake City, Utah (1978-1981). 244-250 West 54th Street The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Betts hired many English luthiers that when on to achieve great success, including members of the Hill family (W.E. 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. In the last year, they spent several months painstakingly putting back together my severely damaged 1790 John Betts cello. In the United States, the 'Betts' found a home first in the collection of John Taylor Roberts, [32] and then with Gertrude Clarke Whittall, who, in 1935, donated it along with three other Stradivari instruments a violin, a viola, and a cello and four Tourte bows to the Library of Congress of Washington, D.C. . Most work is branded Betts, Royal Exchange on the upper back. He famously bought the 'Betts' Stradivari violin for the sum of one guinea from a naive customer around 1820. Users may need to contact The Strad for any re-use of the articles. 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. Sam Zygmuntowicz was in charge of the neck and scroll, and is shown here putting the final touches on the neck. 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. 1786, Violin - Call us on:0207 175 1644 John Betts, Violin, c.1790, London. He most often worked from the Amati model. Suggested credit line: Library of Congress, Music Division. 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. After the death of Betts' son, the violin was sold to WE Hill, and eventually to Whittall's, before ending up at the Library of Congress, where it is displayed in the performing arts reading room. JOHN BETTS, NO, 2, NORTH PIAZZA, ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDINI, FECIT, JANUARY 9, 1782 We also have a selection of instruments and bows for private sale all year round. He came to London to work for Richard Duke in Holborn in 1765. Betts became known as an expert connoisseur and was partially responsible for developing the outstanding reputation of Stradivari instruments in London. . The varnishing was be done by Jeff Phillips and Antoine Nedelec in Oberlin.
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