John Norris

History

John Norris (1739-1818) was born in London and died on March 10, 1818. He was a pupil of Thomas Smith, the successor of Peter Wamsley, and his work was noted by George Hart as being similar to that of Thomas Smith. In 1765, Norris entered into a business partnership with Robert Barnes, who was also a pupil of Thomas Smith. Their partnership, which operated from Great Windmill Street, lasted until 1794. Upon the dissolution of this association, John Norris moved his business to 35 Coventry Street, where his shop was later continued by Richard & William Davis. Labels declaring 'at Bath' between approximately 1805 and 1818 suggest that Norris may have opened an office in Bath, while simultaneously maintaining his London shop throughout this period. It is widely assumed by historians such as John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff that neither Norris nor Barnes personally crafted most, if any, of the instruments bearing their labels; these were predominantly the work of various other London craftsmen. Notably, the Dodds were significant contributors, with a bow branded 'Norris & Barnes' believed to be the earliest identifiable work of John Dodd.

Craft

• Business Model: Instruments produced under the Norris & Barnes label were primarily the work of various London craftsmen, rather than being made by John Norris or Robert Barnes themselves, as noted by John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Attributed Makers: The Dodds were significant among the craftsmen who supplied instruments, with a bow bearing the brand 'Norris & Barnes' considered the earliest identifiable work of John Dodd.
• Branding: Instruments were sometimes branded on the upper back.
• Labels: Examples of labels include 'Made by Norris and Barnes / Violin, violoncello, and bow makers / to their Majesties / Coventry Street. London', 'Made by John Norris / Coventry Street, 1812', and 'Made by John Norris / at Bath, 1808'.

Influence

• Mentorship: John Norris was a pupil of Thomas Smith, who was the successor of Peter Wamsley.
• Associates: His business partner, Robert Barnes, was also a pupil of Thomas Smith.
• Stylistic Similarities: George Hart observed that Norris's work was similar to that of Thomas Smith.

Legacy

• Succession: After John Norris moved to 35 Coventry Street, his shop was subsequently continued by Richard & William Davis.
• Royal Appointment: Labels indicate that Norris & Barnes held the title of 'Violin, violoncello, and bow makers to their Majesties'.

Further Information

• London Addresses: John Norris operated from Great Windmill Street during his partnership with Robert Barnes (1765-1794), and later from 35 Coventry Street.
• Bath Office: Labels declaring 'at Bath' around 1805-1818 suggest he may have opened an office there while maintaining his London shop.

Summary

John Norris (1739-1818) was a London-based luthier and dealer, a pupil of Thomas Smith. He partnered with Robert Barnes from 1765 to 1794 in Great Windmill Street, later moving his business to 35 Coventry Street. While instruments bore his label, it is widely believed that Norris and Barnes primarily retailed instruments made by other London craftsmen, including the Dodds. His shop was later continued by Richard & William Davis, and labels indicate a possible office in Bath.