Richard (I) Meares

History

Richard (I) Meares (circa 1647-1725) was an important viol maker born around 1647 and died in 1725 in London, UK. He was probably an apprentice of Henry Jaye. He established his workshop on Half Moon Alley, Bishopsgate. In 1699, he moved to Leadenhall Street, Cornhill, operating under the sign of the 'Golden Viol', and by 1706, he relocated to St Paul's Churchyard, where his sign was the 'Golden Viol & Hautboy'. Like many of his contemporaries, Meares was actively involved in music publishing in addition to instrument making.

Craft

• Instrument Types: Richard (I) Meares was known for making lutes, viols, violins, cellos, and violas. His viols are considered exemplary of the elegant English viol, which was highly admired across Europe. A viola da gamba with his label was exhibited in London in 1872.
• Construction & Aesthetics: His violins are characterized by the early English style of Urquhart, featuring through necks and lacking separate upper blocks. Instruments often display a dark red-brown varnish. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, his works are distinguished by tasteful inlays and pretty carvings.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include 'Richard Meares without Bishops / gate Lond 1682', 'Richard Meares / London 1700', 'Ricardos Meares / Londini 1702', 'Richard Meares. 1736. / Instrument Music Fabric in area / Boreali. D.Pauli apud Londinates', and 'Richard Meares / without Bishopsgate / near to Sir Paul Pinders / London. Fecit 1677.'

Influence

• Training: Richard (I) Meares was probably an apprentice of Henry Jaye.

Legacy

• Family Continuity: His son, also named Richard Meares, learned the trade and made some violins but later pursued a different profession.
• Reputation & Exhibitions: Richard (I) Meares was held in high esteem during his time. A viola da gamba by him was exhibited in South Kensington in 1872, and collector Dolmetch owned a similar instrument.

Summary

Richard (I) Meares (circa 1647-1725) was a significant English viol maker, also producing violins, cellos, violas, and lutes. He was likely an apprentice of Henry Jaye and operated workshops in various London locations, including Half Moon Alley, Bishopsgate, Leadenhall Street, and St Paul's Churchyard. His instruments, particularly his elegant viols, were highly regarded throughout Europe, known for their distinctive English style, dark red-brown varnish, and often featuring tasteful inlays and carvings. He was also involved in music publishing, and his son briefly followed in his footsteps.