John Johnson

History

John Johnson (b. c.1719, Worked circa. 1740-1762) was an English instrument maker and music seller who worked in London. He was apprenticed to Daniel Wright from 1732 and subsequently succeeded to Wright's business in 1740. Johnson moved his stock to new workshops at the 'Harp and Crown' in Cheapside and also opened additional premises in York Street, Covent Garden, as noted by John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers. Like many 18th-century English makers, Johnson ran an extensive music shop, offering a wide range of instruments and accessories, and also engaged in music publishing himself. According to George Hart's The Violin, Johnson was a "Music and Musical Instrument seller" in Cheapside. Hart further recounts an anecdote from "The Professional Life of Dibdin," where Dibdin was introduced to "old Johnson," who kept a "capital music-shop in Cheapside." Dibdin found the task of tuning harpsichords, which Johnson assigned him, to be a "mere mechanical employment" and not to his taste. Johnson was also reluctant to print Dibdin's songs that had not yet been performed at theatres or Vauxhall. His shop continued to operate after his death, managed by his widow, Ruth.

Craft

• Model & Characteristics: Johnson's violins are described as typical London work, generally following the Stainer model, as stated by John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer. William Meredith Morris, in British Violin Makers, also notes his "Average work, on the Stainer model." Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, observes that the few known violins by him imitate the Stainer model and possess many valuable qualities.
• Construction & Varnish: Instruments feature a full arch and dark brown varnish, though one violin mentioned by William Meredith Morris had a very high arch and thin, dry, yellow varnish. They are generally well executed and made with fine materials.
• Purfling: Instruments often exhibit painted purfling.
• Signature: Johnson's instruments are typically signed internally on the top plate in pencil.
• Tone: William Meredith Morris notes that the tone, "although not large, is clear and penetrating."
• Labels: Several labels are documented:
  • "Sold by John Johnson, Cheapside, London" (undated, according to Cecie Stainer).
  • "Made and sold by John Johnson / at the 'Harp and Crown' in Cheapside / 17 London 53" (mentioned by John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer).
  • A similar label was dated 1759 (according to Cecie Stainer).
  • "MADE BY JOHN JOHNSON. CHEAPSIDE, 17 LONDON 55" (found on a violin described by William Meredith Morris).

Influence

• Apprenticeship: John Johnson was apprenticed to Daniel Wright from 1732.
• Succession: He succeeded to Daniel Wright's business in 1740.
• Employment: Johnson employed craftsmen in his shop, "probably including David Furber amongst others," according to John Dilworth.

Legacy

• Business Continuity: After John Johnson's death, his shop continued to be managed by his widow, Ruth.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: John Johnson operated from Cheapside, London UK, specifically at the 'Harp and Crown' in Cheapside, and also maintained additional premises in York Street, Covent Garden.

Summary

John Johnson (b. c.1719, Worked circa. 1740-1762) was a prominent 18th-century London instrument maker and music seller. Apprenticed to Daniel Wright, he took over the business in 1740, establishing a significant music shop at the 'Harp and Crown' in Cheapside and another in Covent Garden. His violins, typically crafted on the Stainer model, are characterized by a full arch, dark brown varnish, and often painted purfling, and are noted for their clear and penetrating tone. Johnson's extensive business included selling instruments and accessories, and publishing music. His enterprise continued under the management of his widow, Ruth, after his passing.