Amati > Makers Archive > A > Samuel Allen

Samuel Allen

Mevagissey, 1838–1914

Important and influential English bow maker. An operatic singer and cabinet maker, he is thought to have taught himself the rudiments of bow making before being recruited by the Hills for the workshop in Hanwell, west London, in the 1880s. Early work is strongly influenced by James Dodd (II). — John Dilworth

Worked Mevagissey
Made Cello Bow, Viola Bow, Violin Bow

Auction Price History

Highest auction price

£4,780

14 results

Type Details Auction house Sold Price
Violin BowS/E 62 g.January 2010£3,360
Viola BowS/E 73 g.January 2009£4,200
Violin BowS/E 64 g.January 2009£828
Violin BowS/E 58.5 g. London, 1900 c.January 2009£2,500
Cello Bow86 g. Attributed toJanuary 2004£1,434
Cello BowS/E 81 g.January 2002£4,780
Violin BowS/E 61 g.January 2000£3,220
Cello BowS/E 93 g.January 1988£1,650
Viola BowS/E 69 g.January 1985£1,535
Violin BowS/E 59 g.January 1982£550
Violin BowS/E 63 g.January 1982£1,430
Viola BowS/E 71 g.January 1982£1,430
Cello BowS/E 92 g.January 1982£1,188
Viola BowS/E 71 g.January 1981£1,375

Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

ALLEN, Samuel Born 1838 Mevagissey, Cornwall, died 1914 London UK. Important and influential English bow maker. An operatic singer and cabinet maker, he is thought to have taught himself the rudiments of bow making before being recruited by the Hills for the workshop in Hanwell, west London, in the 1880s. Early work is strongly influenced by James Dodd (II). Possibly the only bow maker at Hills to make all the bow parts himself; subsequently the various processes were separated out within the workshops. His pupil there was Sydney Yeoman. Left in 1891 and established his own business in St John’s Wood, London, moving to Bolsover Street in 1897. At this shop he also made some violins and a double bass.

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