John Raeburn

History

John RAEBURN (1833-1910) was born on February 19, 1833, in the Parish of Carnbee, Scotland. He was the son of a miner and initially began his career in mining. His father, however, was also a skilled violinist who taught John to play the violin at an early age. This early exposure to music soon sparked his interest in violin making. Encouraged by amateurs, he began his first attempts at instrument creation, making his first violins in the early 1860s, with John Dilworth noting his work from 1856. Through diligent study and innate skill, he established himself as one of Scotland's finest violin makers. He was the eldest brother of fellow makers Alexander and George Raeburn. Beyond his primary profession, Raeburn was also a talented painter and poet. His biography can be found in The Strad and The People's Journal (August 16, 1902).

Craft

• Production: John Raeburn is credited with making over 100 instruments, specifically about one hundred violins, and also repaired a large number of instruments. He worked carefully, producing only five violins per year.
• Models: He utilized various models, primarily those of Stradivari and Guarneri, often employing a good Stradivari pattern.
• Workmanship: His workmanship is described as being of good average merit and quite refined in style. The narrow edge and crudely managed purfling corners are noted by John Dilworth as the only elements that might betray his amateur status. His instruments were particularly well finished.
• Varnish: Sources contain slightly differing descriptions of his varnish. He used a brown or gold-yellow oil varnish. William Meredith Morris notes he used his brother's varnish, which was of a golden orange colour. John Dilworth describes it as a fine and carefully applied red-brown oil varnish.
• Tone: The tone of his instruments is considered good.

Influence

• Early Training: John Raeburn's father, a skilled violinist, taught him to play the violin early in life, which fostered his interest in instrument making.
• Encouragement: He was encouraged by amateurs to begin his violin making endeavors.
• Family Connection: He was the eldest brother of Alexander and George Raeburn, both of whom were also violin makers.

Legacy

• Awards: John Raeburn received several exhibition medals, including bronze medals at the Glasgow and Edinburgh Exhibitions.
• Reputation: He was highly regarded locally and is considered the most successful maker of his family.

Further Information

• Locations: He worked in Largoward, Fifeshire, Scotland, UK.
• Label Information: An example of his label reads: "John Raeburn Maker Largoward / St. Andrews / 1902".
• Other Talents: In addition to being a violin maker, he was also a miner, a violinist, a skilled painter, and a poet.

Summary

John RAEBURN (1833-1910) was a Scottish violin maker born in Carnbee, Fifeshire. Initially a miner, he developed an interest in violin making through his father's influence as a violinist. Starting his craft in the early 1860s, he became known for producing over 100 instruments, primarily violins, often utilizing Stradivari and Guarneri models. His workmanship was refined, characterized by careful finishing and a distinctive oil varnish, though descriptions of its exact colour vary across sources. Raeburn was recognized with bronze medals at the Glasgow and Edinburgh Exhibitions and was considered the most successful maker in his family, which included his brothers Alexander and George. He was also noted for his talents as a painter and poet.