Henry Lockey Hill

History

Henry Lockey Hill (1774-1835) was born in 1774 and died in 1835 in London, UK. He was the son of Lockey Hill and the grandson of Joseph Hill. Henry Lockey Hill was a pupil of his uncle, Joseph (II), and also of his father. He worked for John Betts from approximately 1806 to 1810. During this period, he created templates of the Stradivari 'King Frederick' cello, which he subsequently adopted as his primary model. This particular cello was sent by Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia to John Betts in 1810 for sale in England. In 1810, Henry Lockey Hill succeeded his father's business in Southwark. By 1826, he had established his own firm at 7 Brandon Row, operating under the name 'L. Hill & Sons'. He later became a partner with his brothers in his father's firm, and his exceptional work significantly contributed to establishing the 'Hill' name as one of Britain's most prominent in instrument making. He is recognized as the first member of the Hill family to fully embrace the style and principles of Stradivari, distinguishing his work from the often coarser Stainer and Amati models produced by his father. His son, William Ebsworth Hill, continued this high standard of craftsmanship, which became a hallmark of the renowned firm 'W. E. Hill & Sons'. Henry Lockey Hill had four sons: Henry (who died in 1856) was a distinguished viola player, Joseph (who died in 1837) was also a maker, and William Ebsworth became a celebrated maker.

Craft

• Workmanship: Henry Lockey Hill was a very fine maker, known for his excellent workmanship and magnificent tone.
• Models: He was the first in the Hill family to transition from using Stainer and Amati models to adopting the Stradivari model. He made templates of the Stradivari 'King Frederick' cello and used it as his primary model.
• Cello Copies: His copies of the Stradivari cello were considered perfect in all aspects except for the varnish and purfling. The varnish, while of excellent quality and a close imitation, was not comparable to Stradivari's. The purfling was carefully inlaid but differed in its manner from the original, particularly in the mitring at the corners.
• Varnish: He frequently employed a light-colored varnish that was perfectly transparent and very elastic. A viola he made featured a pinkish tint of varnish, thinly applied and nicely polished.
• Violin Characteristics: A violin by him, made on an Amati model with a slab back of beautiful figure, possessed a dulcet tone. The varnish color resembled the brownish-purple tint of birch tree bark in autumn.
• Viola Characteristics: He produced a viola on a modified Amati model, characterized by a widened waist and not overly pronounced arching. This instrument yielded a large and deep tone on the lower strings, and clear and incisive notes on the upper ones. The scroll was crafted in the Italian style, free and easy, and the sound-holes were clean and graceful.

Influence

• Mentorship: Henry Lockey Hill was a pupil of his uncle, Joseph (II), and also received training from his father, Lockey Hill.
• Professional Experience: He worked for John Betts, where he likely became acquainted with the Stradivari model.
• Potential Influence: He is thought to have been influenced by Fendt.

Legacy

• Family Reputation: His exceptional work played a significant role in establishing the 'Hill' name as one of the most distinguished in British instrument making.
• Succession: His son, William Ebsworth Hill, continued his high standard of craftsmanship, which became the defining characteristic of the renowned firm 'W. E. Hill & Sons'.
• Historical Significance: His instruments were of such high quality that forgers would sometimes replace his labels with those of more favored makers, such as Italian masters or Stradivari.
• Preservation: The patterns he created from the Stradivari violoncello were preserved by the firm.

Further Information

• Locations: Henry Lockey Hill worked in London, UK. He succeeded his father's business in Southwark and was established at 7 Brandon Row by 1826.
• Labels: His labels included "L. Hill and Sons / Manufacturers of violin, violoncello / Tenors, Double-Bass / No. 7. Brandon Row / Newington Causeway Henry Lockey Hill / Maker. London. / Kent Street. Boro'".

Summary

Henry Lockey Hill (1774-1835) was a highly esteemed British luthier, son of Lockey Hill and grandson of Joseph Hill. He trained under his father and uncle, Joseph (II), and worked for John Betts, where he famously created templates of the Stradivari 'King Frederick' cello, which became his primary model. He succeeded his father's business in Southwark and later established 'L. Hill & Sons' at 7 Brandon Row. Henry Lockey Hill was pivotal in the Hill family's shift from Stainer and Amati models to the Stradivari style, producing instruments of exceptional workmanship and tone, including violins, violas, and violoncellos. His legacy was continued by his son, William Ebsworth Hill, contributing significantly to the renowned firm 'W. E. Hill & Sons'.