Edward (I) Lewis

History

Edward (I) Lewis (1687-1717) was a highly esteemed British violin maker who worked in London. He was active from 1687 until his death in 1717, initially working on London Bridge and later at the sign of the Harp in St Paul's Alley, as noted by John Dilworth. William Meredith Morris describes him as a magnificent maker whose work is very rare, placing him in the front rank of early makers. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also characterizes him as an outstandingly capable violin maker, highly regarded by his contemporaries.

Craft

• Workmanship: His work is described as magnificent, showing great accuracy and finish, with excellent wood and well-executed throughout, according to William Meredith Morris, Cecie Stainer, and George Hart.
• Models: William Meredith Morris observed one of his violins approximating the model of Maggini, and did not believe he copied the Stainer model, suggesting his taste would not allow him to imitate the German high arch.
• Varnish: Sources contain conflicting information about his varnish. William Meredith Morris described an oil varnish of a rich golden-red colour, perfectly transparent, and soft as velvet to the touch. Cecie Stainer noted his use of very fine varnish, generally a light yellow colour, but sometimes red with a golden ground. John Dilworth mentions yellow or brown varnish. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also described his mostly light yellow, sometimes reddish lacquer on a golden-yellow ground as very good.
• Tone: The tone on the higher strings of his violins was beautifully clear and brilliant, according to William Meredith Morris.
• Instruments: He made violins, cellos, and viols. Thomas Britton's catalogue of 1714 listed a 'Bass violin' and a 'tenor' by him.

Influence

• School: John Dilworth states that his workmanship was of the Nathaniel Cross school.
• Associations: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions an unproven association with Th. Jay.

Legacy

• Rarity: His work is considered very rare, with William Meredith Morris having seen only one of his violins in twenty-five years of connoisseurship. Cecie Stainer also notes his violins are rare but very beautiful.
• Collections: Thomas Britton's Collection included an "excellent tenor by Mr Lewis" and a "rare good" bass-violin, as cited by Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He worked on London Bridge and later at the sign of the Harp in St Paul's Alley in London.
• Known Labels: Known label inscriptions include: "Edward Lewis / fecit, London Bridge, 1704", "Edward Lewis / in St. Paul Allay in London, 1687", "Edward Lewis at / The Harp in St Paul's / Ally in London 1702", and "Edward Lewis att / The Harp in St / pauls Ally in / London. 1703".

Summary

Edward (I) Lewis was a highly regarded British violin maker active in London from 1687 to 1717. Known for his rare and magnificent instruments, his work is characterized by excellent wood, precise workmanship, and superior varnish, though descriptions of its color vary among historical accounts. He produced violins, cellos, and viols, with instruments like an "excellent tenor" and a "rare good" bass-violin noted in Thomas Britton's Collection.