Thomas Absam

History

Thomas Absam (c. 1810-1849),also known as Absom, was an English violin maker active from approximately 1810 to 1849. According to John Dilworth in The Brompton’s Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was active in London around 1812 before moving to Leeds in 1813, and subsequently established himself in Wakefield, Yorkshire. He produced instruments for dealers such as Picard (also spelled Pickard) in Leeds, and also for Dearlove, as noted by Dilworth. William Meredith Morris, in British Violin Makers, confirms his primary work for Pickard. Cecie Stainer, in A Dictionary of Violin Makers, states he worked in Wakefield, Yorkshire, from 1810-49.

Craft

• Model Characteristics: John Dilworth describes his instruments as having a flat model with very broad edges and extended corners, somewhat reminiscent of the Furber type. The head often displayed crude Betts characteristics.
• Cello Construction: His cellos were also Betts-like, featuring a full arch, red varnish, and an inlaid purfling monogram on the back in the style of Barak Norman, according to Dilworth.
• Materials: Dilworth notes that Absam utilized local woods in his constructions.
• Purfling: A distinctive feature was the geometrical purfling inlay found on the back of his instruments.
• Instrument Models: William Meredith Morris observed two violins by Absam, one crafted on the Stradivari model and another on the N. Amati model. Dilworth also mentions these models.
• Workmanship and Varnish: Meredith Morris assessed his workmanship as being of average merit, and described the varnish as a spirit one, which was hard and lifeless.
• Comparison: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, remarked that Absam's work was reminiscent of Forster, though not quite his equal.

Influence

• Stylistic Influences: Thomas Absam's work shows clear influences from established traditions and makers. John Dilworth notes characteristics akin to the Furber type and crude Betts characteristics in his instrument heads. His cellos also adopted a Betts-like form and incorporated inlaid purfling monograms in the style of Barak Norman.
• Model Replication: William Meredith Morris observed that Absam produced violins based on both the Stradivari and N. Amati models, indicating an adherence to classical Italian forms.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Thomas Absam worked in London (c.1812), Leeds (from 1813), and was finally established in Wakefield, Yorkshire.
• Known Labels:
  • "Made by T. Absom / Violin Maker / No.27 Greek Street / Soho / London / August 19 1812" (According to John Dilworth)
  • "Thomas Absam, Leeds, late from London, 1813." (According to John Dilworth)
  • "Made by Thomas Absam Wakefield 1828" (According to John Dilworth)
  • "Thomas Absam / Wakefield / 15 Feb. 1833" (According to John Dilworth)
  • "MADE BY THOMAS ABSAM, WAKEFIELD, FEB. 14, 1833" (As cited by William Meredith Morris and Cecie Stainer)

Summary

Thomas Absam was an English violin maker active from approximately 1810 to 1849, working in London, Leeds, and primarily Wakefield, Yorkshire. He crafted instruments for dealers like Picard and Dearlove. His work, which included violins based on Stradivari and Amati models and Betts-like cellos, featured a flat model with broad edges, geometrical purfling, and often utilized local woods. His workmanship was considered of average merit, with a hard, lifeless spirit varnish.