Richard Davis

History

Richard Davis (1775-1836) was born in Bussage, Gloucestershire, his native place, and later died there in April 1836, being buried in Bisley Parish Church. He worked in London, initially at 35 Coventry Street from 1820 to 1831, and subsequently at 31 Coventry Street from 1831 to 1838, according to John Dilworth. He began his career in the employ of Norris & Barnes. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the exact year he succeeded to the business after Norris's death; Cecie Stainer states it was in 1818, while William Meredith Morris indicates 1816. Throughout his career, Davis was primarily a commercial dealer in instruments rather than a prolific maker, often employing others to work for him and carrying on a considerable trade in old instruments. He retired towards the end of his life, leaving the business to William Davis.

Craft

• Workmanship: Richard Davis's own instruments were not numerous and were often described as indifferently made, possessing a piercing, Stainer-like tone, according to William Meredith Morris. John Dilworth characterizes his work as "sub-Bettsian work on roughly Italian lines."
• Model: The few violins he made perhaps resembled the Stradivari model more than anything else, as noted by William Meredith Morris.
• Varnish: The varnish on his instruments was typically spirit-based and of a dark brown colour, according to William Meredith Morris. John Dilworth also mentions "poor, thin varnish."
• Other Instruments: He also crafted many guitars in collaboration with his nephew, William, as mentioned by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Influence

• Training: Richard Davis began his career working in the employ of Norris & Barnes, as stated by Cecie Stainer, William Meredith Morris, and George Hart.

Legacy

• Succession: Richard Davis retired and left his business to William Davis, as documented by Cecie Stainer and William Meredith Morris.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Richard Davis was active in London at 35 Coventry Street from 1820 to 1831, and subsequently at 31 Coventry Street from 1831 to 1838, according to John Dilworth.

Summary

Richard Davis (1775-1836) was a London-based instrument dealer and occasional maker, born and died in Bussage, Gloucestershire. He worked at 35 and 31 Coventry Street, having started his career with Norris & Barnes. While primarily a commercial dealer in old instruments, he also made some instruments, often described as indifferently crafted with a Stainer-like tone and dark spirit varnish. He retired, leaving his business to William Davis.