John Forster

History

John Forster (circa. 1688-1781) was born around 1688 in Kirkandrews, Longtown, and passed away in October 1781 in Brampton, Carlisle, UK. He is recognized as the founder of the celebrated Forster dynasty of violin makers, as noted by John Dilworth. Primarily, he was a maker of spinning-wheels and a gunsmith, described as a "very ingenious man" who occasionally made fiddles, according to Cecie Stainer. William Meredith Morris also states that he made only an occasional instrument.

Craft

• Primary Occupations: John Forster was primarily a spinning-wheel maker and a gunsmith, as stated by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Violin Making: He occasionally made violins.
• Model: His violins were made on a very high model, resembling that of Stainer, although the outline was somewhat similar to the pattern of an Amati, according to Cecie Stainer. John Dilworth also notes the model was "very high, resembling Stainer."
• Workmanship: His work is described as "rude and unfinished" by Cecie Stainer and William Meredith Morris. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff observed that an instrument attributed to him was "sehr oberflächlich durchgeführt" (very superficially executed).

Legacy

• Dynasty Founder: John Forster founded the celebrated Forster dynasty of violin makers, as highlighted by John Dilworth and William Meredith Morris.

Further Information

• Birthplace: Kirkandrews, Longtown.
• Deathplace: Brampton, Carlisle, UK.
• Settlement: He settled early in Brampton.

Summary

John Forster (circa. 1688-1781) was the founder of the renowned Forster dynasty of violin makers. Born in Kirkandrews, Longtown, and later settling in Brampton, Carlisle, he was primarily a spinning-wheel maker and gunsmith. Although he occasionally made violins, his instruments are characterized by a high model, resembling Stainer's, and are described as rude and unfinished.