Edward Pemberton

History

Edward Pemberton (c.1660-1700) was a maker in London. According to Cecie Stainer's A Dictionary of Violin Makers, he was active in 1660. However, his historical existence is a subject of debate among experts. John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers states that while Pemberton's name is found in most dictionaries, there is no known historical or physical evidence of him. William Meredith Morris, in British Violin Makers, notes that despite some authors writing as though they had seen numerous examples of Pemberton's art, he had diligently inquired for twenty years without finding definite particulars. George Hart, in The Violin, mentions that Pemberton has often been cited as the author of a violin said to have been presented to the Earl of Leicester by Queen Elizabeth, a legend that led to Pemberton's era being placed a century earlier. Morris confirms that the legend of the "Earl of Leicester" violin has been "laid to rest long ago." Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zum Gegenwart, speculates he might have been a son or grandson of a J. Pemberton. Sources contain conflicting information about his exact dates and the authenticity of instruments attributed to him.

Craft

• Workmanship: Cecie Stainer described his instruments as "ugly," but noted their good tone and fine quality varnish.
• Characteristics: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also described his work as "roh" (raw), but mentioned the varnish was "nicht schlecht" (not bad) and the tone sometimes "weich und angenehm" (soft and pleasant).
• Innovation: It was suggested that a Pemberton might have been the maker of the instrument presented to the Earl of Leicester, which, if true, would make him the earliest English maker to produce a four-string violin.

Further Information

• Location: London, UK.
• Attribution: An instrument presented to the Earl of Leicester by Queen Elizabeth bore the engraving "J. 1578 P." on the tail-pin, which was speculated to be the initials of the maker and the date of manufacture.

Summary

Edward Pemberton was a violin maker active in London around 1660-1700, though his historical existence and the authenticity of instruments attributed to him are subjects of considerable debate among historians. While some accounts, like Cecie Stainer's, describe his instruments as having good tone and fine varnish despite their appearance, other authorities such as John Dilworth and William Meredith Morris find no historical or physical evidence to substantiate his presence or the instruments bearing his name. He is notably associated with a debunked legend concerning a violin presented to the Earl of Leicester by Queen Elizabeth.