John Simpson

History

John SIMPSON (circa 1735-1794) was an important figure in the London musical trade during the 18th century. He established his business at 15 Sweeting's Alley from 1735 and took over the business of John Hare in 1741. The firm was known as Messers Simpson, or J. & J. Simpson from 1767, and was located at 14 Sweeting's Alley in 1798. John Simpson worked in association with his brother James, although the number of generations involved in the 19th century is not clear. John is identified as the first individual and presumed to be the senior partner. According to John Dilworth, he is presumed to be a merchant rather than a maker himself.

Craft

• Production Method: Instruments bearing the Simpson label were often factory-made, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and are generally considered common London trade work of the period, frequently based on Stainer patterns in various qualities, according to John Dilworth.
• Associated Makers: Instruments with the joint label have been found signed internally by Lockey Hill sr., Henry Jay, Robert Thompson, R. Duke jr., and John Barrett.
• Stylistic Characteristics: The instruments often exhibit a German style, with a thin and poor scroll, ordinary f-holes, and a lack of purfling, as described by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Varnish: Henri Poidras notes an orange-yellow varnish, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes it as dark orange-yellow.
• Branding: Some instruments are branded below the back button with 'Simpson'.

Legacy

• Notable Instruments: A four-string Alt-Viola di Gamba attributed to them is owned by C. Claudius in Malmö.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: The business was established at 15 Sweeting's Alley from 1735 and later found at 14 Sweeting's Alley in 1798.
• Label Variations: Most labels refer to either 'J. and J. Simpson', 'James and Sons', or 'John Simpson' alone.
• Printed Label Text: Examples include "J. and J. Simpson / Musical Instrument Makers / at the Bass-Viol and Flute / in Sweeting's Alley / opposite the East door of the Royal Exchange / London" and "John Simpson / Musical Instrument Maker / at ye Bass viol & Flute in Sweeting Alley opposite ye / East Door of ye Royal Exchange London / (from the late Mrs Hares in Cornhill) Sold by John Simpson at / The Viola & Flute in / Swithin's Alley near / The Royal Exchange London / 1735" [Hill Archive, BVMA].

Summary

John SIMPSON (circa 1735-1794) was a prominent London musical instrument merchant who operated a significant business from 1735, taking over John Hare's establishment in 1741. His firm, known variously as Messers Simpson or J. & J. Simpson, produced instruments often described as common London trade work, frequently based on Stainer patterns and sometimes signed internally by other makers like Lockey Hill sr. These instruments often featured a German style, orange-yellow varnish, and were sometimes branded 'Simpson'.