John Thomas Hart

History

John Thomas Hart (1805-1874) was born on December 17, 1805, in London and passed away on January 1, 1874. He began his apprenticeship with Samuel Gilkes in May 1820, where he learned the mechanical aspects of his profession. By 1825, he was able to open his own workshop, though John Dilworth notes he established independently in Vauxhall Bridge Road from approximately 1836, and at 14 Princes Street from 1838. Hart quickly developed into a skilled master, but his primary significance lay in his expertise as a connoisseur and repairer of Italian violins. He maintained an active business relationship with Tarisio and, according to George Hart, became a crucial channel through which many rare Italian instruments entered England. His discerning eye and remarkable memory for instruments earned him a preeminent position among connoisseurs of his era. He was instrumental in bringing together several notable collections, including that of the late Mr. James Goding, which was later dispersed by Messrs. Christie & Manson in 1857. He also acquired the small but exquisite collection of Mr. Charles Plowden, comprising four violins by Stradivari and four by Guarneri, which returned to his possession upon Plowden's death. Furthermore, he was involved with a significant portion of the well-known collection of the late Mr. Joseph Gillott.

Craft

• New Instruments: John Thomas Hart produced a small number of new instruments, which are considered good copies, particularly in the style of Amati. William Meredith Morris notes he cannot definitively say if Hart followed his master's lines or more closely those of Amati or Stradivari.
• Repair and Expertise: He gained a great reputation for his experience and skill in repairing old Italian instruments.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: John Thomas Hart was articled to Samuel Gilkes in May 1820, learning the mechanical branch of violin making from him.
• Connoisseurship: He focused his attention on the unique characteristics of Cremonese and Italian violin-makers, quickly developing extensive knowledge in this area.

Legacy

• Reputation: Hart achieved a high position among the connoisseurs of his time due to his unerring eye and powerful memory for instruments.
• Business Continuity: He was the founder of the firm Hart & Son, which continued to operate until 1939.
• Collections: He was responsible for assembling and handling several remarkable collections of Italian instruments, including those of Goding, Plowden, and a large part of the Gillott collection.

Further Information

• Addresses: He established his independent business in Vauxhall Bridge Road from approximately 1836, and later at 14 Princes Street from 1838.
• Business Description: In 1840, his business was recorded as 'Violin & Gun Wharehouse'.
• Label: An example of his label reads: "JOHN HART / MAKER / 14 Princes Street, Leicester Square, / London, anno 18.."

Summary

John Thomas Hart (1805-1874) was a prominent English luthier, connoisseur, and repairer. Apprenticed to Samuel Gilkes in 1820, he established his own workshop by 1825. While his output of new instruments was limited and often in the style of Amati, he gained immense renown for his profound knowledge of Italian violins and his exceptional skill in their repair. Hart played a pivotal role in the English violin market, facilitating the acquisition and sale of numerous significant Italian instruments and assembling notable collections. He founded the firm Hart & Son, which continued his legacy until 1939.