Arthur Bowler

History

Arthur Bowler (1867-Unknown) was born on July 12, 1867, in Thame, Oxfordshire, UK, as detailed by William Meredith Morris in British Violin Makers and John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers.

He was the nephew of George Chanot on his mother's side, a relationship that, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, sparked his interest in violin making from an early age.

Initially, Bowler trained as a joiner in his grandfather's workshop, a skill that proved very useful later.

He moved to London in 1895 and, after the death of his uncle Chanot, offered his services to J. A. Chanot, his uncle's son and successor.

He was apprenticed to J. A. Chanot in Wardour Street from 1895 to 1899, quickly becoming his principal assistant due to his prior woodworking knowledge.

In 1899, Arthur Bowler established his own shop in Islington, as noted by Dilworth and Morris.

Craft

• Work: Arthur Bowler was chiefly occupied with repair and restoration work, but he also made approximately 40 violins and at least one cello, as stated by John Dilworth.
• Models: His violins were mostly made on the Stradivari 'Messie' violin model, with others in the Guarneri style, according to Dilworth and Lütgendorff.
• Quality: His instruments are described as 'accurately observed and very well finished' by Dilworth, and William Meredith Morris noted that he 'turns out excellent instruments' with 'beautiful wood and varnish' and a 'firm, round, and clear' tone.
• Varnish: Lütgendorff mentions that Bowler used a dark orange-red amber varnish (dunkel-orange-rothen Bernsteinlack).
• Workmanship: Lütgendorff also highlights his exceptionally clean workmanship (arbeitet ungemein sauber).

Influence

• Family Connection: Arthur Bowler was the nephew of George Chanot, a relationship that, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, fostered his early interest in violin making.
• Early Training: He initially trained as a joiner in his grandfather's workshop, a skill that greatly benefited his later work in violin making.
• Apprenticeship: He was apprenticed to J. A. Chanot in Wardour Street from 1895 to 1899, where he became the principal assistant, as detailed by John Dilworth and William Meredith Morris.

Legacy

• Recognition: William Meredith Morris, in British Violin Makers, predicted that 'The work of this maker is bound to come to the front in the near future.'
• Publications: A biography of Arthur Bowler, including a portrait, violin illustration, and label, was published by Rev. Meredith-Morris in The Strad (April 1900, No. 120), as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: After establishing his own business in 1899, Arthur Bowler worked at 18 Milner Square, Islington, as stated by William Meredith Morris.
• Label: His instruments bear a facsimile label that reads 'Arthur Bowler AB / London. Fecit, 1900', according to John Dilworth.

Summary

Arthur Bowler (1867-Unknown) was a British violin maker born in Thame, Oxfordshire, and the nephew of George Chanot.

Initially trained as a joiner, he apprenticed with J. A. Chanot in London from 1895 to 1899, becoming his principal assistant.

In 1899, he established his own workshop in Islington, focusing on repair and restoration while also producing around 40 violins and at least one cello.

His instruments, often based on the Stradivari 'Messie' model, are noted for their accurate observation, excellent finish, beautiful wood, and clear tone, often featuring a dark orange-red amber varnish.