George Hudson

History

George Hudson (1859-1916) was born on February 27, 1859, at Goodshawfold, Rossendale Valley, the son of Richard Hudson, a famous fiddler known in Lancashire as "Dick o' New-laith." He came from an old musician family in Lancashire. In 1878, he moved to Skegness, where his father became music director for the Earl of Scarborough. Soon after, Hudson began to learn violin making and extensively experimented with violin varnishes. After ten years of study, he started making new violins, calculating the outlines and arching based on geometric principles. He was a self-taught maker, working from 'Cremona House' in Skegness, Lincolnshire, UK. He died in 1916.

Craft

• Workmanship: His instruments are characterized by clean work and good tone, and his workmanship is described as good and careful.
• Production: He made about one hundred violins, and also a few violoncellos and double-basses.
• Design: He used personal models and calculated the outlines and arching according to geometric principles. He followed various models.
• Varnish: He prepared his own oil varnish, which he applied in various shades, ranging from amber-yellow to ruby-red.
• Other Skills: He was also considered a skilled repairer and an important dealer.
• Identification: Each instrument was labeled, branded, and numbered.

Further Information

• Education: He received a good elementary education.
• Hobbies: He took up chemistry as a hobby.

Summary

George Hudson (1859-1916) was a self-taught English violin maker from Skegness, Lincolnshire, known for his clean workmanship, good tone, and personal models. He came from a musical family and extensively experimented with his own amber oil varnishes. He produced approximately 100 instruments, including violins, violoncellos, and double-basses, and was also recognized as a skilled repairer and dealer.