Henry Rawlins

History

Henry RAWLINS (circa. 1770-1780) worked in London, UK. According to John Dilworth, he produced violins, violas, and cellos. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes him as a mediocre violin maker and repairer. George Hart notes that he appears to have been patronised by Giardini, the violinist, a sentiment echoed by Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer, who states Giardini was the leader of the orchestra at the Italian Opera at that time. His signature has been found internally, such as 'Henry Rawlins, French / Gardens Marylebone, / 1777' and 'H. Rawlins, Marylebone, / 1778'. He was also found to have signed a cello labelled by John Dickeson, as noted by John Dilworth. Cecie Stainer mentions he was working in London in 1779.

Craft

• Instrument Types: Henry Rawlins produced violins, violas, and cellos.
• Style: His instruments were made in the style of Forster.
• Construction Details: Instruments featured deep edges and narrow purflings, with variable varnish. They exhibited high pinched arching and soundholes set low with a sharply turned lower wing.
• Labels: Printed labels generally contained the phrase 'Auspicio Giardini', which, according to John Dilworth, may indicate that the violinist Felice Giardini was a patron. Specific labels include 'Henricus Rawlins fecit / Auspicio Giardini / Londini, 1779' and 'Restauratus Henricus Rawlins, / Londini. 1779'. Cecie Stainer also notes a label 'Henricus Rawlins, Londini, 1779' found in a viola, and another 'Restauratus Henricus Rawlins auspicio Giardini Londini, 1781'.

Influence

• Mentorship: Henry Rawlins was possibly the teacher of J. Morris of Bath, as suggested by John Dilworth.
• Patronage: He appears to have been patronised by the celebrated London resident violinist Felice Giardini, who was the leader of the Italian Opera at the time, according to John Dilworth, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, George Hart, and Cecie Stainer.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: His signatures indicate he worked at French Gardens Marylebone and Marylebone.
• Internal Signatures: Internal signatures include 'Henry Rawlins, French / Gardens Marylebone, / 1777' and 'H. Rawlins, Marylebone, / 1778'.
• Printed Labels: Printed labels include 'Henricus Rawlins fecit / Auspicio Giardini / Londini, 1779' and 'Restauratus Henricus Rawlins, / Londini. 1779'. Cecie Stainer also notes 'Henricus Rawlins, Londini, 1779' and 'Restauratus Henricus Rawlins auspicio Giardini Londini, 1781'.

Summary

Henry Rawlins was a London-based violin maker and repairer active circa 1770-1780, known for producing violins, violas, and cellos in the style of Forster. His instruments featured deep edges, narrow purflings, and high pinched arching. He was notably patronised by the violinist Felice Giardini, and his labels often included the phrase 'Auspicio Giardini'. Rawlins may also have been the teacher of J. Morris of Bath.