John Barrett

History

John Barrett (circa 1713-1743) worked in London, UK, establishing his business from 1713 'next the Standard in Piccadilly', as detailed in John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers. He later operated from the 'Crown and Anchor' and, from 1721, at the 'Harp and Crown, Coventry Street', a sign also associated with Robert Cuthbert's shop, according to Dilworth. Barrett's business encompassed all aspects of music and accessories, a common practice among many early English luthiers.

Craft

• Copying Style: John Barrett was an early copyist of Stainer in England, often exaggerating Stainer's arching, as described by William Meredith Morris in British Violin Makers. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes he used an elongated, highly arched model more reminiscent of Stainer than Amati.
• Model: He worked on a modified Stainer pattern, which was long, narrow, grooved, and highly arched, according to William Meredith Morris. Cecie Stainer also mentions he made instruments on a long and arched pattern.
• Purfling: Instead of purfling, he commonly used ink-lines, or 'ink-lines instead of purfle', as stated by Cecie Stainer. Lütgendorff also notes he drew lines at the edge instead of inlay.
• Workmanship: John Dilworth states that some of his work featured rather mundane painted purfling, while other pieces displayed exquisite workmanship in the manner of Wamsley. William Meredith Morris describes his workmanship as fair, but Cecie Stainer indicates he made some good instruments. Lütgendorff characterizes his work as good but ordinary.
• Varnish: Sources contain conflicting information about his varnish. John Dilworth describes it as golden-brown or orange-red and of good consistency. However, William Meredith Morris states it was yellow and 'hungry looking', contributing to a 'cheap look'. Lütgendorff suggests his varnish was likely yellow but had darkened considerably to brownish. Cecie Stainer also describes the varnish as a yellow colour.
• Tone: William Meredith Morris states the tone of his instruments is 'very small and muffled', though he acknowledges a report of a violoncello with a 'beautiful tone'. Cecie Stainer notes the tone of his violins is 'sweet but not powerful'. Lütgendorff describes the tone as noble, though not large.
• Instruments Made: He made cellos of compact size and at least one double bass, which was listed on the inventory of the Duke of Chandos in 1720, according to John Dilworth. A violoncello of his make with a beautiful tone is mentioned by William Meredith Morris and Cecie Stainer.

Influence

• Influences: John Barrett was an early copyist of Stainer.
• Contemporaries: He was a contemporary of Barak Norman and Nathaniel Cross, as noted by William Meredith Morris and Cecie Stainer. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests he was probably a pupil of the same master as N. Cross.

Legacy

• Valuation: In 1802, his instruments were valued at 6 guineas, later increasing to 8 or 10 guineas, according to Cecie Stainer.

Further Information

• Labels: John Barrett used labels such as 'John Barrett, at the Harp and Crown / in Piccadilly, 1722' and 'Made by John Barrett / at Ye Harp and Crown / in Pickadilly, London, 1731', as cited by John Dilworth. William Meredith Morris provides examples like 'JOHN BARRETT, AT THE HARP AND CROWN IN PICCADILLY, 1720' and 'MADE BY JOHN BARRETT, AT YE HARP & CROWN IN PICCADILLY, LONDON, 1730'. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes two types of labels: an older, simply printed one, and a later one featuring a crowned lyre.
• Wood Selection: Cecie Stainer notes that the wood used in his instruments was well selected.

Summary

John Barrett was an English luthier working in London from circa 1713 to 1743, known for copying Stainer's style and operating from various locations including the 'Harp and Crown' in Piccadilly. His work, which included violins, cellos, and double basses, often featured ink-lines instead of purfling and a distinctive yellow to orange-red varnish, though sources conflict on its appearance and the overall tone quality of his instruments.