Arthur (II) Betts

History

Arthur (II) Betts (1775-1847) was born in Stamford in 1775 and passed away in London, UK, in 1847. As the younger brother of John Betts, he was sent from Stamford at the age of nine to receive a musical education in London. After completing his education, Arthur joined his brother's shop in the Royal Exchange. Following John's death in 1823, Arthur assumed leadership of the business, initially in partnership with his nephew, Charles Vernon. The firm was first retitled 'J. Betts & Co'.

A pivotal moment occurred when Arthur acquired a perfect 1704 Stradivari violin, which remains famously known as 'the Betts'. This acquisition, however, led to disagreements within the company and the subsequent departure of Vernon. The shop then operated simply as 'A. Betts'. In 1838, a fire destroyed the Royal Exchange, necessitating the shop's move to 47 Threadneedle Street. The business eventually returned to 27 Royal Exchange in 1844, following the restoration of the building.

Craft

• Workmanship: Under Arthur Betts's direction, the workshop became renowned for producing numerous sophisticated copies of master instruments, distinguished by their superb quality of shaded and aged varnish.
• Innovation: Betts pioneered the trend for crafting copies of Guarneri del Gesù violins, a type of instrument previously considered of secondary importance by many experts.
• Collaborators: Martin Fendt remained a dedicated instrument maker for the shop throughout his career, while instruments of a more economical grade were supplied by the Furber family. Bows for the establishment were crafted by notable makers such as John Dodd and Thomas Tubbs.

Influence

• Early Training: Arthur (II) Betts received a musical education in London from the age of nine, laying a foundation for his future career.
• Familial Association: His career was significantly shaped by joining the workshop of his elder brother, John Betts.
• Market Impact: Betts's popularization of Guarneri del Gesù violin copies was notably influenced by Niccolò Paganini's concert tours in 1831, during which he famously performed on his del Gesù 'Cannone' violin.

Legacy

• Historic Acquisition: Arthur (II) Betts is notably remembered for acquiring a perfect 1704 Stradivari violin, an instrument that continues to bear his name as 'the Betts'.

Further Information

• Workshop Evolution: The primary workshop location was initially in the Royal Exchange. Following the 1838 fire, it temporarily relocated to 47 Threadneedle Street before returning to 27 Royal Exchange in 1844.
• Documented Address: According to The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth, an instrument by Arthur Betts was recorded at No. 2 North Piazza Royal Exchange, London, in 1837.

Summary

Arthur (II) Betts (1775-1847) was a significant English luthier who, after receiving a musical education in London, joined and later inherited his elder brother John Betts's workshop in 1823. Renowned for his acquisition of the 1704 'Betts' Stradivari violin, he also pioneered the production of high-quality copies of Guarneri del Gesù instruments, a trend influenced by Paganini's performances. His workshop, initially in the Royal Exchange, produced sophisticated copies of master instruments with superb varnish quality, collaborating with makers like Martin Fendt and the Furber family, and bow makers John Dodd and Thomas Tubbs.