John (I) Morrison

History

John (I) Morrison (1760-1827) was a London-based violin maker. According to John Dilworth, he was born in 1760 and died in 1827. However, Cecie Stainer states he died between 1820 and 1830, indicating conflicting information regarding his exact death year. He was possibly the son of William Morrison. John (I) Morrison established his workshop at 4 Harvey Buildings, Strand, around 1803. He later moved to 51 Princes Street, Soho, then to 14 Avery Row, Bond Street, around 1815. From 1819, he worked in Shadwell, returning to 44 Princes Street around 1828, and finally settling in Little Turnstile, Holborn, where he died. William Meredith Morris noted that he had never seen instruments bearing Morrison's label, suggesting he worked exclusively for dealers. Cecie Stainer also corroborates that most of his instruments were made for dealers.

Craft

• Workmanship: John (I) Morrison's instruments are often described as "undistinguished trade work" by John Dilworth and "of very handwerksmässiger Ausführung" (very craftsmanlike execution) by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Cecie Stainer characterized his work as "of poor workmanship."
• Models: He primarily produced instruments based on Stainer models.
• Decoration: Some of his violins were "hübsch ausgestattet mit doppelter Einlage und Perlmutter- und Ebenholzverzierungen" (nicely equipped with double purfling and mother-of-pearl and ebony decorations), as noted by Lütgendorff. John Dilworth further specifies "mother-of-pearl herringbone banding on the edges" and mentions that "some plainer wood [was] enhanced with painted or stained figure beneath the varnish."
• Varnish: Lütgendorff described his varnish as "von röthlicher Farbe und schlecht" (of reddish color and poor quality). John Dilworth noted "dark brown varnish."
• Cellos: His cellos are described by John Dilworth as being "of useful size and value."
• Signing: Instruments were generally "signed internally on the table."

Influence

• Training: John (I) Morrison was a pupil of Forster.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: John (I) Morrison's workshops included 4 Harvey Buildings, Strand (c.1803); 51 Princes Street, Soho; 14 Avery Row, Bond Street (c.1815); Shadwell (from 1819); 44 Princes Street (c.1828); and Little Turnstile, Holborn.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "John Morrison / London / made 1798," "John Morrison / Maker (from Forsters) / No.4 Harvey Buildings Strand, London. / 1803," "J.Morrison / from Forster / Violin, Violoncello & Double-Bass Maker / No 51 Prince's Street / Soho," "John Morrison / Maker / 152 High Street / Shadw. / London. 1824," and "Jn. Morrison / Maker / 44 Princes St. / Soho / London, 1828."

Summary

John (I) Morrison (1760-1827) was a London-based violin maker and a pupil of Forster, known for producing instruments primarily for dealers. His craftsmanship is variously described, ranging from "undistinguished trade work" to "very craftsmanlike execution," with some sources noting "poor workmanship." He often based his instruments on Stainer models, sometimes incorporating decorative elements like double purfling, mother-of-pearl, and ebony. His varnish was typically reddish or dark brown, and his cellos were considered "of useful size and value." Morrison operated workshops at several locations across London, including Harvey Buildings, Princes Street, Avery Row, Shadwell, and Little Turnstile.