William And Son Lewis

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£3,142

Type	Details	Sold	Price
Violin	35.9 cm Chicago, 1915 (revarnished) [Made by "George Einsele"]	December 2011	£774
Cello Bow	S/E 78.0 g. [Made for]	July 2010	£212
Cello Bow	S/E 76.5 g. [Made for]	July 2010	£250
Cello Bow	S/E 84.0 g. [Made for]	July 2010	£212
Cello Bow	S/E 73.0 g. [Made for]	July 2010	£212
Violin	35.8 cm Chicago, 1915 [Made by "George Einsele"]	April 2010	£3,142
Violin	35.5 cm 1922 (endblock damage) [Made for the firm]	February 2009	£1,716
Viola Bow	S/E 67.5 g.	August 2008	£252
Violin	Chicago, 1914 [Made for]	October 2005	£328
Violin	1925 c. [Made for]	October 2005	£1,004
Violin Bow	S/E 57.5 g. with no hair	October 2004	£541
Cello Bow	S/E 77 g.	March 1997	£345
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	December 1995	£434
Cello Bow	S/E 75 g.	March 1995	£690

Maker Overview

History

William Lewis (1837-1902) was a violinist and the founder of the important business of William Lewis & Son of Chicago. Born in Devonshire, UK, in 1837, he emigrated with his family to Bellevue, Ohio, USA. Lewis settled in Chicago in 1862, where he joined the music company Root and Cady. After the business was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Lewis and E. T. Root re-established themselves as Root & Lewis in 1874. From 1878, the company was known as the Chicago Music Co. with E. G. Newell as a partner. William Pond, C. A. Zoebisch, P. P. Gibbs, and William's son Frederick subsequently joined, and the name was finalized as William Lewis & Son in 1888. William Lewis died in 1902 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. In 1899, Reuben A. Olsen joined the firm, and after William's death and Frederick's retirement in 1935 (Frederick died in 1940), Olsen became head of the business in 1940. Harry Benson was the next president, retiring in 1978. The company was bought out by the Chicago Musical Instrument Co. and then by Norland Inc., moving to Lincolnwood, Illinois, in 1968. The company finally closed in 1978.

Craft

Instrument Makers: Many distinguished craftsmen worked at William Lewis & Son. George Einsele was responsible for the 'Lewis' violins up to 1927, and Carl Becker worked there from 1924 to 1969.
Varnishes: 'Lewis' varnishes were made by John Emil Carlson.
Bows: Bows were imported from Germany and retailed in various grades.

Influence

Reputation: William Lewis & Son became one of the best-known violin dealers and makers in America, world-renowned for expertise and connoisseurship.
Publications: The company published the magazine 'Violins and Violinists', which was edited by Ernest Doring until his death in 1955, when Reuben Olsen took over responsibility.
Reference Material: The Lewis Catalogues of fine instruments, issued from 1906, have become both valuable reference material and collectors' items.

Legacy

Leadership Succession: After the death of William Lewis in 1902 and the retirement of his son Frederick in 1935, Reuben A. Olsen became the head of the business in 1940. Harry Benson later served as president, retiring in 1978.
Company Acquisition and Closure: The company's legacy concluded with its acquisition by the Chicago Musical Instrument Co. and subsequently by Norland Inc., leading to its final closure in 1978.

Further Information

Location: The company moved its operations to Lincolnwood, Illinois, in 1968.

Summary

William Lewis & Son was an important American violin dealing and making business founded by William Lewis (1837-1902) in Chicago. Initially established as Root & Lewis in 1874 after the Great Chicago Fire, the company evolved through various partnerships, eventually becoming William Lewis & Son in 1888. Renowned for its expertise and connoisseurship, the firm employed distinguished craftsmen like George Einsele and Carl Becker, produced 'Lewis' violins and varnishes, and imported bows. It also published influential catalogues and the magazine Violins and Violinists. The company underwent leadership changes and acquisitions before its final closure in 1978.

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Biographies

John Dilworth

LEWIS, William (William Lewis & Son) Born 1837 Devonshire UK, died 1902 Chicago, Illinois USA. Violinist and founder of the important business of William Lewis & Son of Chicago, although not a luthier himself. Emigrated with his family to Bellevue, Ohio USA. Settled in Chicago 1862, where he joined the music company Root and Cady. When the business was destroyed by the great fire of 1871, Lewis and E. T. Root re-established themselves as Root & Lewis in 1874. From 1878 it was known as the Chicago Music Co. with E. G. Newell as a partner. William Pond, C. A. Zoebisch, P. P. Gibbs, and William’s son Frederick joined subsequently and the name was finalised as William Lewis & Son in 1888. One of the best-known violin dealers and makers in America, world renowned for expertise and connoisseurship. In 1899 Reuben A. Olsen joined, and after William died 1902 and Frederick retired 1935 (died 1940), became head of the business 1940. Harry Benson was the next president, retiring 1978. The company was bought out by the Chicago Musical Instrument Co. and then by Norland Inc., and moved to Lincolnwood, Illinois 1968. The company finally closed 1978. Many distinguished craftsmen worked there. George Einsele was responsible for the ‘Lewis’ violins up to 1927, and Carl Becker worked there 1924-1969. ‘Lewis’ varnishes were made by John Emil Carlson. Bows were imported from Germany and retailed in various grades. The Lewis Catalogues of fine instruments, issued from 1906, have become both valuable reference material and collectors’ items in themselves. The company also published the magazine ‘Violins and Violinists’, edited by Ernest Doring until his death in 1955 when Reuben Olsen took over responsibility.