John (I) Carter

History

John (I) Carter (circa 1770-1790) worked in London, UK, primarily for John Betts, as noted by John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers and William Meredith Morris in British Violin Makers. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, Betts even paid his funeral expenses, leading many of his instruments to bear Betts' labels. His own independent work was labelled from his shop in Little Drury Lane, Strand, between 1773 and 1780, and later from 112 Drury Lane and Wysh Street, Drury Lane, from 1781, as detailed by Dilworth.

Craft

• Workmanship: Instruments produced by Carter are described as fine, with an Amatisé outline and arching, and good but not outstanding workmanship, according to John Dilworth.
• Varnish: He used a thin-textured golden-brown varnish, a detail mentioned by both Dilworth and William Meredith Morris.
• Models: Morris notes that he saw one Amati model violin.
• Desirability: His cellos are particularly desirable, as highlighted by Dilworth.

Influence

• Mentorship: John (I) Carter worked extensively for John Betts, as documented by John Dilworth, William Meredith Morris, and Cecie Stainer.
• Stylistic Influence: There is evidence of Richard Duke's influence in Carter's modelling and varnish, according to John Dilworth.

Legacy

• Reputation: William Meredith Morris states that Carter was an excellent maker who helped considerably to swell the fame of Betts.
• Collectibility: His cellos are considered particularly desirable, as noted by John Dilworth.

Further Information

• Labels: Many of his instruments bear the labels of John Betts, but his own independent work carried his label.
• Inscriptions: A pencilled inscription is often found on the interior of the front, and an inked signature on the back.
• Branding: He occasionally branded the upper back exterior with 'I. Carter'.
• Label Text: John Dilworth provides an example of his label: 'I. Carter' J Carter / Violin Tennor and Bass Maker / Wysh Street. Drury Lane / London 1781'. William Meredith Morris cites a label from 1785: 'J. CARTER, VIOLIN, TENOR, AND BASS MAKER, WYCH STREET, DRURY LANE, LONDON. 1785'. Cecie Stainer mentions a label from 1787: 'J. Carter, Violin, Tennor, and Bass Maker, Wych Street, Drury Lane, London, 1787.' Sources contain conflicting information about the exact year on his labels.
• Addresses: His shops were located in Little Drury Lane, Strand (1773-1780), and later at 112 Drury Lane and Wysh Street, Drury Lane (from 1781).

Summary

John (I) Carter was a London-based violin maker active from approximately 1770 to 1790, known for producing fine instruments, particularly desirable cellos. He worked extensively for John Betts, with many of his creations bearing Betts' label, though he also produced independent work from his shops in Drury Lane. His instruments often featured an Amatisé outline, golden-brown varnish, and showed the influence of Richard Duke.