Amati > Makers Archive > John Frederick (II) Lott

John Frederick (II) Lott

Biographies

John Dilworth Cecie Stainer Willibald Leo Lütgendorff

John Dilworth

LOTT, John Frederick (II) Born 1804, died 1870 London UK. Known as ‘Jack’. Second son and pupil of John Lott (I) above. Briefly apprenticed with his brother George to R. Davis in Coventry Street, making violins and guitars for them. For some time worked independently, supplying instruments to his father’s employer Thomas Dodd and to another London dealer, Metzler & Co. Around 1823 gave up violin making, taking up various jobs including becoming an elephant trainer in a travelling circus. Returned to London c.1840, and by 1851 was established at 60 Wardour Street, once again as a violin maker, the business he occupied until his death. Developed great skill in reproducing master instruments as well as making imitations in persuasive style, not necessarily of particular instruments. Became London agent for J. B. Vuillaume and also carried out work for him. Adept at ‘converting’ the work of lesser makers into that of more desirable and valuable names. One of the first makers to imitate Guarneri del Gesù closely, several of his copies are known to have been traded as original Guarneris. Teacher of Edward Withers who retained a quartet of his work. Very rarely labelled with his own name. Most instruments bear facsimiles of other labels. J. F. Lott London [BVMA]