The "Betts" is among the most legendary violins from Stradivari's workshop. This violin was, with the "Castelbarco" cello of 1697, once a part of the quartet of Stradivaris owned by Count Cesare Castelbarco of Milan. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820 | SOLD - Martin Swan Violins If you are interested in purchasing one of the instruments, contact Chris Germain. Here is a picture of Raymond Shryer smoothing the top for the Betts copy with a scraper. (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. Articles, - , circa 1790Violin, John Betts a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate. Items included here with the permission of the rights holders are indicated as such in the bibliographic record for each item. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820 | SOLD I wrote an article, in collaboration with Steve Sirr, and Steve Rossow, on the Betts, which is available in the May 2010 issue of "the Strad" Magazine, published in London. In about 1820, an individual entered Betts' shop at the Royal Exchange in London and offered the violin in its pristine state. London Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of craftsmanship . Fax: +1 212 202 4660, Tarisio London In London, he apprenticed as a luthier with Richard Duke, one of the city's most notable violinmakers of the 18th century. Email: Fine Fretted String Instruments 2345 Winchester Blvd. In some cases, the Library was unable to identify a possible rights holder and has elected to place some of those items online as an exercise of fair use for strictly non-commercial educational uses. His shop employed many of the best contemporary makers, including Joseph and Lockey Hill, and later Vincenzo Panormo and Bernard Simon Fendt. Violins and Violin Makers Biographical Dictionary of the Great Italian Artistes, their Followers and Imitators, to the present time. . A CNC machine is a precision carving machine. Bridgewood & Neitzert l UK's Leading Violin Dealers, Restorers, & Makers 244-250 West 54th Street If you choose to continue using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 First Name (*) Last Name (*) photograph | 16 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). , circa 1790Cello, John Betts He famously bought the 'Betts' Stradivari violin for the sum of one guinea from a naive customer around 1820. Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as 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 The instrument made by the group involved in the previous year's class is also varnished, strung up, and played. He made his own instruments as well as collecting and trading the work of old masters. photograph | 19 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). Apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765, subsequently buying the business from Dukes daughter Anne. John Betts London. . 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. His refusal to allow Charles to profit from the purchase led to the partners falling out. John Betts came from Stamford, Lincolnshire, and came to London in 1765 to apprentice with Richard Duke, rising to become the shop foreman after seven years, and eventually buying the business from Dukes daughter, reforming the company under his own name by 1781. Please login to continue. Highest auction price achieved. 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. Betts himself became Official Valuer of violins to the Customs office. The two of them are shown in the workshop discussing some aspect of the project. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 | Johnson String Instrument 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. For auction updates, special offers and news please sign up to our mailing list. We have sent you an email. Below, on the left, is a photo of the back of the Betts. In June of 2011, Steve Rossow, Steve Sirr, and John Waddle went to Oberlin, Ohio, to participate in the Oberlin violin makers workshop. 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. Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1704, "Betts" Can you tell which is which? Contact Us. It is now a permanent part of the collection of instruments in the Library of Congress Music Division in Washington DC. They liaised with my insurers and started work within days . Part of that status comes from the circumstances of its acquisition. Bow maker / Violin maker John Betts cello, London circa 1810 | Carriage House Violins 43883.00. 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, NO, 2, NORTH PIAZZA, ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDINI, FECIT, JANUARY 9, 1782 It is of the Amati model, plain wood, golden-brown varnish, with rather wide sound-holes. Article. Tarisio Auctions Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of . John Betts came from Stamford, Lincolnshire, and came to London in 1765 to apprentice with Richard Duke, rising to become the shop foreman after seven years, and eventually buying the business from Duke's daughter, reforming the company under his own name by 1781. . 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. 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. Here is a picture of the 2011 Oberlin Workshop participants. John Betts school / circle: fine antique English violin circa 1820. The last photo is a copy we made. 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. Talk to the Brompton's Team +44 (0)207 580 9550 . Gregg Alf was in charge of the varnishing of this violin, and did a beautiful job. , circa 1800Viola, John Betts It was he who established the great Betts workshop in Holborns Royal Exchange around 1782. photograph | 18 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). It was in this environment of exquisite craftsmanship that this violin was created a few years before John Betts death. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Ingles & Hayday would like to send you information about our events and services, by post, telephone and email. the last line being written. He is holding the violin we made there. By 1920, the "Betts" was owned by R. D. Waddell of Glasgow. 2023 Fine Fretted String Instruments. This violin from about 1790 is stamped on the back 'Betts / Royal . This website uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. Professional violin, to quote a veteran Gypsy style player. 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. These cookies cannot be disabled and you cannot use the website without them. It will be varnished in June of 2012. If you missed the magazine, you can download the pdf here-. At this stage, the assessment is free and without obligation. This area corresponds with the dimensions of the original fingerboard giving a clue to the range of notes that a musician could play. John Betts Auction Results. After many years working for Duke, Betts became the foreman of his workshop and eventually took over the business. You can contact the auctioneer on +44 (0)1543 251081 for more information. By 1781 he was working independently and hired . John (I) Betts. Betts made fewer instruments in his later years, his reputation as an expert and connoisseur fully established. 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. We also have a selection of instruments and bows for private sale all year round. 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 In 1781 he was established independently in Holborn, moving to Royal Exchange in 1782. A deal was made and the instrument changed hands for the sum of only one guinea. This violin from about 1790 is stamped on the back Betts / Royal Exchange / London. Cookie Policy 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. This violin, a copy of the "Ole Bull" Guarneri, is finished and has been sold. Violin - Photograph (Form). Email (*) Message (*) Enter Captcha. Here is a picture of the 2011 Oberlin Workshop participants. A very successful employee, Betts assumed the role of shop foreman . violins@hebberts.com, Laurent Bourlier (III), Mirecourt, c.1820. Most work is branded Betts, Royal Exchange on the upper back. 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. (born February 17, 1949 in Moncton, New Brunswick) is a teacher and a New Brunswick politician. This violin has an electric vibrancy, as though the sound is just waiting to burst out. 130 High Street, Marketing cookies are used to track the effectiveness of advertising, to provide more relevant services, and to deliver better ads that suit your interests. John Dodd and Thomas Tubbs were among the shop's best suppliers of bows. Next to it is a CT scan of the back. You can find out the value of a Violin by John Betts and the amount you could expect if you sold your John Betts Violin at auction. In June of 2011, Steve Rossow, Steve Sirr, and John Waddle went to Oberlin, Ohio, to participate in the Oberlin violin makers workshop. Unfortunately, your registration has been declined by the auctioneer. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 available at Johnson String Instrument, New England's largest and most complete violin shop. (351 mm) with double case (2) If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account. Dismiss. The violin is in exceptional original condition. Brompton's is delighted to offer complimentary Violin appraisals for insurance, probate or sale purposes. Users should consult the bibliographic information that accompanies each item for specific information. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. , circa 1800Cello, John Betts These cookies collect data to remember the choices users make on the website. In about 1820, an individual entered Betts' shop at the Royal Exchange in London and offered the violin in its pristine state. He came to London to work for Richard Duke in Holborn in 1765. 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. To be able to use Corilon violins in full range, we recommend activating Javascript in your browser. Company number: 9889926. This instrument is now in my possession, and in excellent condition, having been recently repaired by Mr. J. W. Owen of Leeds. The tone is moderately powerful, and very sweet and mellow. The violin is an absolutely stunning Nicol Amati copy. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. 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. With its expressive. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820 | Sold Photograph (Form). Call us on:0207 175 1644 1790 They serve to improve service and provide a more personalised experience. John Betts, London, c.1785 - Reuning & Son Violins 86-87 Wimpole Street Upon his death in 1823, he left the shop to his younger brother and pupil Arthur, as well as his nephew Charles Vernon. 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 . John Betts violin label. Ok, got it! The "Ward" acquired its name from J. Under Arthur especially the shop became known for its reproductions of historic instruments, similar to the activities of J.B. Vuillaume in Paris. By this time, the family were well established as the leading London dealers of . Steve Sirr and John Waddle have been CT scanning violins, violas, and cellos since 1989. John Montgomery, Sam Zygmuntowicz, Raymond Shryer also did some needed tonal adjustments on it. What a good looking bunch! Rare Cello | John Betts | English Violoncellos | Skinner Inc. In 1923, Jay C. Freeman of Wurlitzer approached Waddell in Scotland and came away with the "Betts" as well as the "Leduc" Guarneri. The varnishing was be done by Jeff Phillips and Antoine Nedelec in Oberlin. It simply isn't true that old violins always sound better than new ones. 1730, "Goldberg-Baron Vitta", Viola by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1690, "Tuscan-Medici", Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1704, "Betts", - 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. Stamped Betts / Royal Exchange / London. Web.. https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200155591/. Composite, newer top (19th century) original back and sides. Its everything we look for in a violin: the perfect combination of warmth, projection and flexibility of tone. In the last year, they spent several months painstakingly putting back together my severely damaged 1790 John Betts cello. John Betts. (1775 - 1847) Younger brother of John Betts, Arthur Betts was a good violinist and had lessons from Viotti himself. The violin has a two piece back of highly-figured, quarter sawn maple which is book-matched. After many years working for Duke, Betts became the foreman of his workshop and eventually took over the business. He died in 1823, leaving the business to his younger brother Arthur, who learned the craft from him. Article. There was problem sending your activation email, please contact us. Of the estimated 1,000 violins originally crafted . Suggested credit line: Library of Congress, Music Division. 1730, "Kreisler", Violin by Giuseppe Guaneri, Cremona, ca. Because of his great knowledge of the history of violin making, Betts was an excellent copyist. Songs and Music. Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820. London, c.1785. Maker - Amati - John (I) Betts London Bow maker / Violin maker. Ward owned the violin for over 40 years; on his death it passed to the Hills. 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. Using another set of wood, also carefully selected, John, Steve Sirr, and Steve Rossow have completed another Betts copy violin. Fine Fretted String Instruments2345 Winchester Blvd. A sheer joy to play! Robert Somers Brookings, an economist, founded in 1916 what became the Brookings Institution, a respected private nonprofit public policy organization. Login or Register for a FREE account to gain full access to our library, John Betts He . He became known as an expert dealer and businessman, and was appointed Official Valuer of violins to the Customs Office. photograph | 35 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). JOHN BETTS - Christie's photograph | 20 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). 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. Please follow the link to confirm your registration. Inscribed inside the top in the upper treble bout are the words: The Betts / Stradivarius; in the lower treble bout the inscription reads: Purchased from / the duchess / of Camposelice / by W. E. Hill & Son / March 1892. It is preserved in fine original condition except for the pegs and bridge. It remained a treasured . 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. Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of . We were allowed to play it. (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. It was great to have the "Betts" violin in Oberlin for the two weeks of the 2011 workshop. 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. Click the button below and we'll email you a link to generate your Tarisio password. Violin by Arthur and John Betts - Tim Wright Fine Violins Scotland Tel: +1 212 307 7224 London John Betts I | Tarisio Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200155591/. John Betts - Maker - Brompton's Auctioneers With such an incredible team in the workshop, John Betts was free to focus on importing some of the finest Italian violins for sale. Please contact us for more information. If on the other hand, you are a person who cannot afford to buy such a violin, you might be able to actually own a fine violin which is very close, for a fraction of the cost. 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. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 John Betts cello, London circa 1810 First Name (*) Last Name (*) My Phone. This violin has been purchased, and donated to the Library of Congress. The workmanship is solid and sober, without being refined and artistic like the work of Betts' master. 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. Betts business became a focus for the market for old Cremonese violins.