Charles (II) Harris

History

Charles (II) Harris (1791-1851) was the eldest son and pupil of his father, Charles Harris (I), and a fellow apprentice of Samuel Gilkes under his father, as noted by Cecie Stainer and John Dilworth. He worked for John Hart for some time, specifically until 1828, according to John Dilworth and William Meredith Morris. In 1828, he inherited an estate in Steeple Aston, Oxford, where he became known as 'Lord Harris', continuing his work as a violin maker despite his new status, as documented by John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states he first lived in Oxford (Alderbury) and then went to London, noting that little is known of him because he worked extensively for John Hart.

Craft

• Workmanship: His work was well finished, very precise, and exhibited neat workmanship, though William Meredith Morris notes it was not to be compared with that of his father.
• Varnish: He used yellow varnish, described by John Dilworth as 'golden amber coloured varnish'.
• Model: His work recalls that of contemporary London makers such as Lockey Hill or Thomas Kennedy, and he used a generally Stradivarian or Amatisé model, according to John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions he liked a long model with narrow ribs.
• Features: George Hart notes a well-cut scroll but sound-holes that were not well formed.
• Signature: Instruments were signed internally, as stated by John Dilworth.
• Specialty: His cellos are particularly admired, according to John Dilworth.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of his father, Charles Harris (I), and a fellow apprentice of Samuel Gilkes under his father, as detailed by Cecie Stainer and John Dilworth.
• Pupils: He trained William Ebsworth Hill in Oxford around 1835-1838, according to John Dilworth.

Legacy

• Status: After inheriting an estate in Steeple Aston, Oxford, in 1828, he became known as 'Lord Harris', as documented by John Dilworth.

Further Information

• Life Dates: Born in London in 1791 and died in Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire, UK, in 1851, according to John Dilworth.
• Locations: He worked in London for John Hart and later resided in Steeple Aston, Oxford, after 1828.