John (I) Betts

History

John (I) Betts (c.1752/1755-1823), universally known as "Old John Betts," was a significant figure in the London trade of string musical instruments. Born in Stamford, Lincolnshire (sources vary on his birth year, stating either 1752 or 1755), he died in London in March 1823 and was buried at Cripplegate Church. He began his career apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765, later acquiring Duke's business from Duke’s daughter Anne. By 1781, Betts was independently established in Holborn, moving to the Royal Exchange area in 1782. He became the Official Valuer of violins to the Customs office, highlighting his expertise in violin valuation. While he made few instruments himself, his primary importance stemmed from his role as an expert and entrepreneur, playing a key role in establishing London as a major center for violin making activity in the 19th century. His business successor was his brother, Arthur B., who had been a violin teacher. A German source notes that he was "less outstanding as a violin maker than as a dealer and connoisseur."

Craft

• Methods: John Betts made few instruments himself, largely employing excellent workmen to produce instruments under his name. These craftsmen, including the Panormos, John Carter, Edward Betts (his nephew), Bernhard Fendt (father and son), G. Gillingham, Richard Tobin, John Furber, and Isaac Newton, primarily copied old English and Italian instruments. Consequently, instruments bearing his name exhibit considerable variation in quality and characteristics. He advertised that he could make violins "in the neatest manner, the patterns of Ant. Stradivarius, Hieronymus Amatus, Jacobus Stainer, and Tyrols," claiming they were "Equal for the fine, full, mellow tone to those made in Cremona."

Influence

• Training and Mentorship: John Betts was a pupil of Richard Duke, senior, in London, having apprenticed with him and later purchased his business. He is noted for having "imbibed much of Duke's lore," with his own instruments showing similar characteristics in workmanship and varnish.
  
  
• Schools/Tradition: Betts was instrumental in making London a major hub for violin making activity in the 19th century. He was one of the first in England to conduct extensive business in Italian instruments, facilitating the import of a significant number of fine musical instruments into the country during his time.
  
  
• Notable Associations: He employed a significant number of skilled craftsmen, including the Panormos, John Carter, Edward Betts, and Bernhard Fendt, who contributed to the substantial body of work produced by his workshop, particularly cellos, which have become highly sought-after.

Legacy

• Modern Recognition: Betts' greatest contribution is recognized as his expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Cellos produced by the craftsmen in his employ are particularly highly sought-after.

Further Information

• Technical Characteristics: The few instruments made by Betts himself share characteristics with those of his master, Richard Duke, particularly in workmanship and varnish. The varnish typically has a warmer tint than Duke's. His instruments generally follow the Amati model, constructed with carefully selected wood and featuring his characteristic golden-brown varnish. The tone of his instruments is noted as moderately powerful, very sweet, and mellow. The workmanship is described as solid and sober, though not as refined or artistic as Duke's. His instruments consistently feature rather wide sound-holes, broad purfling, and well-cut scrolls.
  
  
• Historical Uncertainties: There is conflicting information regarding John Betts' birth year, with sources stating both 1752 and 1755. An instrument from 1782 in a private collection bears an inscription across its belly near the left sound-hole which is now undecipherable.
  
  
• Notable Quotes: John Betts advertised: "makes in the neatest manner, violins the patterns of Ant. Stradivarius, Hieronymus Amatus, Jacobus Stainer, and Tyrols. Equal for the fine, full, mellow tone to those made in Cremona."

Summary

John (I) Betts was a pivotal figure in the history of string musical instruments in London during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While making few instruments himself, his significant contributions lay in his role as a knowledgeable dealer and entrepreneur. He was an influential importer of fine musical instruments, particularly Italian works including those by makers like Stradivarius, and became the official valuer for customs. His workshop employed many skilled artisans, whose collective output, particularly cellos, is highly valued today. Instruments bearing his label reflect a range of characteristics due to the various craftsmen he employed, but his personal work, though rare, displays traits consistent with his training under Richard Duke. Known for his keen business sense and comprehensive knowledge of old music instruments, Betts was instrumental in shaping London's prominence in the international violin trade.