Thomas Anyon

History

Thomas Anyon (b. 1854) was a gentleman amateur born in Preston on June 8, 1854, and educated at the Normal School there. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong interest in studious pursuits, including painting, music, modelling, and science, with the violin remaining a constant companion. According to William Meredith Morris, the incentive to construct a violin came from reading E. Heron-Allen's book, Violin Making, as it Was and Is. Before embarking on construction, Anyon dedicated many months to studying the mathematics of the instrument, conducting experiments with air volumes acting upon resonating plates of various media, and building a sound-box to gather reliable data on thicknesses and air volumes. His initial research yielded results that justified further investigation, leading him to create his first instrument in 1892. At the time of Morris's writing, he was constructing his fifty-third instrument. In 1895, he employed two assistants for eight months to help with rough work; however, he found it impossible to achieve the necessary violin art and finish from cabinet-workers' labor and was obliged to dismiss them. John Dilworth notes that Anyon worked circa 1896-1914.

Craft

• Model: William Meredith Morris describes Thomas Anyon's model as original, of full proportions, and very artistic. John Dilworth, conversely, states that Anyon produced fine work on Cremonese models.
• Varnish: The varnish used by Anyon was an oil-based one, available in different shades. Instruments examined by William Meredith Morris featured a deep golden red varnish that was perfectly transparent and fiery.
• Workmanship: William Meredith Morris characterized Anyon's workmanship as magnificent. John Dilworth also describes his work as "Fine work."
• Tone: The instruments produced by Anyon are noted by William Meredith Morris for their large, rich, and free tone.
• Signature: The maker's monogram is carved on the back of the scroll, at the base near the scollop.

Influence

• Inspiration: Thomas Anyon was inspired to begin violin making after reading E. Heron-Allen's book, Violin Making, as it Was and Is.
• Self-Study: He undertook extensive self-study, including the mathematics of the instrument, and conducted experiments with air volumes and resonating plates to gather data before constructing his first violin.

Legacy

• Sales: Thomas Anyon sold several of his instruments privately, with prices ranging from thirty to fifty guineas.

Further Information

• Birthplace: Preston, England.
• Working Period: Circa 1896-1914.
• Working Location: Manchester, UK.

Summary

Thomas Anyon (b. 1854) was a British gentleman amateur violin maker born in Preston. Educated at the Normal School, he developed a passion for various arts and sciences, with the violin being a constant interest. Inspired by E. Heron-Allen's book, he undertook extensive mathematical and experimental research before crafting his first instrument in 1892. He produced fine work, noted for its magnificent workmanship, original or Cremonese-inspired models, and a deep golden red oil varnish. His instruments are known for their large, rich, and free tone, and feature his carved monogram on the scroll. Anyon worked circa 1896-1914 in Manchester, UK, and sold his instruments privately.