Joseph (I) Hill

History

Joseph (I) Hill (1715-1784) was born in 1715 in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, UK, and passed away in London in 1784. According to John Dilworth, he relocated to London after 1746 and likely found employment in the workshop of the late Peter Wamsley. He established his own independent business from 1753 in High Holborn, London. His workshop subsequently moved to Angel Court, Westminster, in 1756, then to the ‘Harp & Flute’ in Pall Mall in 1761, and finally to Haymarket, where he operated from 1765 to 1780. From 1773 to 1776, the business was known as ‘Joseph Hill & Sons’. Around 1780, his eldest son, Joseph (II), assumed management of the shop, and Joseph (I) retired to Avery Row, New Bond Street, as detailed by Dilworth.

Craft

• Prolific Maker: Joseph (I) Hill was a prolific maker, known for his refined instruments (John Dilworth).
• Models: He crafted instruments on refined Stainer and Amati models (John Dilworth).
• Prized Instruments: His cellos and contralto violas are particularly prized (John Dilworth). William Meredith Morris notes that his violoncellos and double-basses are highly praised, a sentiment echoed by Cecie Stainer, who adds that his violoncellos and double-basses are especially liked. George Hart also highlights his well-made violoncellos and tenors.
• Varnish: Some of his instruments feature a fine oil varnish (Cecie Stainer).
• Notable Usage: Mr. Arthur Broadley currently uses a small-sized Joseph Hill violoncello in his solo playing (William Meredith Morris).

Influence

• Training: Joseph (I) Hill was a pupil of Peter Wamsley (George Hart, Cecie Stainer).
• Early Career: He worked at "Ye Harp and Hautboy" in Piccadilly, London, under Peter Wamsley, around 1740-42 (William Meredith Morris, Cecie Stainer).
• Contemporaries: He was a fellow-apprentice with Benjamin Banks (William Meredith Morris, Cecie Stainer).

Legacy

• Family Business: His sons, William, Joseph (II), Lockey, and Benjamin, were all makers and assisted him in his business (William Meredith Morris, Cecie Stainer).
• Succession: His eldest son, Joseph (II), took over the management of the shop around 1780 (John Dilworth).

Further Information

• Labels:
  • "Made & sold by Josh. Hill / at ye Violin in Angel Court / 17 Westminster 51" (John Dilworth).
  • "Joseph Hill, Maker / at the Harp and Flute / in the Hay Market / 17 London 66" (John Dilworth).
  • "Joseph Hill & Sons, makers / at the Harp and Flute / in the Hay Market / London 1771" (John Dilworth).
  • "Joseph Hill, maker at the “Harp and Flute” in the Hay-market, 17 London, 69" (Cecie Stainer).
  • Similar labels are dated 1772 (Cecie Stainer).

• Distribution: He supplied instruments to various provincial dealers (John Dilworth).

Summary

Joseph (I) Hill (1715-1784) was a distinguished English luthier born in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, who established his independent workshop in London from 1753. A pupil of Peter Wamsley and a contemporary of Benjamin Banks, Hill was renowned for his prolific output, crafting instruments, particularly cellos and contralto violas, on refined Stainer and Amati models. His business, which operated from various London locations including High Holborn, Angel Court, and the Haymarket, eventually became 'Joseph Hill & Sons' from 1773-1776, with his four sons, William, Joseph (II), Lockey, and Benjamin, contributing to the craft. His eldest son, Joseph (II), took over the management of the workshop around 1780.