William Gilkes

History

William Gilkes (circa. 1811-1875) was born circa 1811 in Grey Coat Street Tothill Fields, Westminster, and died in 1875 in London, UK, according to Cecie Stainer and John Dilworth. He was the son and pupil of Samuel Gilkes, succeeding to his father's business in James Street. William Gilkes later removed his workshop to Dartmouth Street, as noted by William Meredith Morris and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. John Dilworth further details his establishment at 14 Dartmouth Street from 1835, followed by moves to Wandsworth in 1857, 14 Charlwood Street, Vauxhall in 1860, Dartmouth Street again in 1866, and finally to 3 Upper Marsh Street, Lambeth. He is said to have varnished and sold instruments supplied by Richard Tobin. Cecie Stainer notes that he ceased to make instruments for some time before his death.

Craft

• Instrument Production: William Gilkes made many instruments, including violins and a great number of double basses, which are considered very fine, according to John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Models Copied: He copied various classical models, including some double-purfled Brescian instruments, and was among the best modern imitators of Maggini, also understanding well how to imitate the varnish, as stated by John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Varnish: His instruments featured several grades of varnish, ranging from thin golden-amber to dark, highly textured red-brown.
• Workmanship: Generally, his work lacks the distinction of his father's best efforts, and his instruments are described as being of ordinary workmanship and tone by William Meredith Morris. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also notes that he was less significant than his father overall.
• Branding and Labels: Instruments made by William Gilkes were branded below the button. He used printed labels such as 'Gilkes Westminster London' and 'William Gilkes / Wandsworth, London / 1857'.

Influence

• Mentorship: William Gilkes was the son and pupil of Samuel Gilkes.
• Business Succession: He succeeded to his father's business in James Street.

Further Information

• Addresses: William Gilkes was established at 14 Dartmouth Street from 1835, later moving to Wandsworth in 1857, 14 Charlwood Street, Vauxhall in 1860, Dartmouth Street in 1866, and finally at 3 Upper Marsh Street, Lambeth.
• Labels: His instruments bear printed labels including 'Gilkes Westminster London' and 'William Gilkes / Wandsworth, London / 1857'.

Summary

William Gilkes (circa. 1811-1875) was a London-based luthier, the son and pupil of the esteemed Samuel Gilkes. He succeeded his father's business and operated from various addresses, including Dartmouth Street, Wandsworth, and Lambeth. Gilkes produced a variety of instruments, notably fine double basses, and was known for copying classical models like those of Maggini and Brescian makers. While his work, which included a range of varnishes and specific branding, did not achieve the same distinction as his father's, he was a prolific maker who also varnished and sold instruments supplied by Richard Tobin.