John (I) Carter

John Dilworth

CARTER, John Worked circa. 1770-1790 London UK. Worked for John Betts. Fine instruments bearing the Betts label with Amatisé outline and arching of good but not outstanding workmanship. Thin-textured golden-brown varnish. Cellos particularly desirable. Evidence of the influence of Richard Duke in the modelling and varnish. His own independent work is labelled from his shop in Little Drury Lane, Strand 1773-1780, later 112 Drury Lane and Wysh Street, Drury Lane from 1781. Pencilled inscription often found on interior of front and inked signature on back. Occasionally branded on upper back exterior: ‘I. Carter’ J Carter / Violin Tennor and Bass Maker / Wysh Street. Drury Lane / London 1781

William Meredith Morris

He worked mostly for John Betts, and only occasionally on his own account. He was an excellent maker, and helped considerably to swell the fame of Betts. I have seen one violin of his make, which was on the Amati model, having a beautiful tone. Varnish : golden brown, thinly laid on. Label : —

J. GARTER, VIOLIN, TENOR, AND BASS MAKER, WYCH STREET, DRURY LANE, LONDON. 1785

Cecie Stainer

Worked in London about 1780-90 for John Betts, and made some excellent instruments, many of which were sold with the label of Betts. His own label was: “J. Carter, Violin, Tennor, and Bass Maker, Wych Street, Drury Lane, London, 1787.”

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff

Da er für die Betts arbeitete, welche auch, wie erzählt wird, die Leichenkosten für ihn bezahlten, tragen viele seiner Instrumente die Zettel von diesen; die wenigen jedoch, in die er seinen Zettel klebte, sind gut.