George Duncan

History

George Duncan (1855-?) was born in 1855 in Kingston-on-Spey, Scotland, UK. He was initially a cabinetmaker before opening his workshop as a violin maker in Glasgow in 1875, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. He worked in Glasgow from 1875, first at 21 Brunswick Street, which had previously been the premises of Walter Plain, and subsequently at 33 Queen Street, as noted by John Dilworth. Cecie Stainer indicates he was a maker in Glasgow from about 1875 to 1887. In 1892, he emigrated, with John Dilworth stating he moved to Canada, while William Meredith Morris and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff state he emigrated to America. Sources contain conflicting information about his exact emigration destination.

Craft

• Workmanship: George Duncan's work was very disciplined, focusing on Stradivari and Guarneri models, as described by John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted that his violins are very good and impeccably made, working after various models.
• Archings: Like those of his predecessor Walter Plain, Duncan's archings featured a distinct flatness to the center bouts, which rose rather abruptly from deeply sunk edges, according to John Dilworth.
• Varnish: He used a fine textured oil varnish of various tints, sometimes shaded and slightly 'distressed' in imitation of age, as detailed by John Dilworth. William Meredith Morris added that this beautiful oil varnish was usually of a golden orange-red tint. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also mentioned his use of a good oil varnish.
• Materials: William Meredith Morris observed that the wood in some of Duncan's specimens featured a broad figure in the back and a medium grain in the front table.
• Tone: According to William Meredith Morris, the tone of his instruments is large, rich, and free.
• Labels: An example label cited by John Dilworth reads: "No. 31. Made by George Duncan / Glasgow. 18.." Another label example provided by William Meredith Morris is: "NO, 37 MADE BY GEORGE DUNCAN, GLASGOW, 1884".

Influence

• Mentorship: George Duncan was a pupil and successor to Walter Plain, as stated by John Dilworth.

Legacy

• Awards: George Duncan won a gold medal at the London Inventions Exhibition in 1885, surpassing the silver medal awarded to Bela Szepessy, according to John Dilworth. William Meredith Morris confirmed this, noting he received the gold medal for an exhibit of two violins at the London Exhibition of Inventions and Music in 1885. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also reported he received a gold medal at the Inventions Exhibition in London in 1885. Lütgendorff further noted that Duncan was awarded a silver medal in Edinburgh in 1886 but rejected it.
• Appreciation: William Meredith Morris expressed hope that Duncan's talents would be appreciated on the other side of the Atlantic, predicting that his work would improve with age and become valuable.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: George Duncan worked in Glasgow, UK, initially at 21 Brunswick Street and later at 33 Queen Street.
• Emigration: He emigrated in 1892, with sources differing on whether he went to Canada or America.

Summary

George Duncan (1855-?) was a Scottish violin maker born in Kingston-on-Spey. He was a pupil and successor to Walter Plain, establishing his own workshop in Glasgow in 1875. Duncan was known for his disciplined work on Stradivari and Guarneri models, featuring distinctive archings and fine oil varnish. His instruments, particularly from 1883 onwards, were praised for their magnificent appearance and rich tone. He received a gold medal at the London Inventions Exhibition in 1885. In 1892, he emigrated to North America, though sources differ on whether it was Canada or America.