Richard Tobin

History

Richard Tobin (1766-1847) was born in 1766 in the Republic of Ireland and died in 1847 in London, UK. He was apprenticed to Thomas Perry in Dublin from 1792 to 1798. He also worked briefly for Bartholomew Murphy in Cork. One instrument bearing his label indicates Waterford as his residence in 1800. He moved to London, reportedly on the advice of V. Panormo, who had previously worked for Perry. His earliest London work is dated 1810 and appears to have been made under the aegis of Lockey Hill. A violin dated 1817 is internally signed 'R. Tobin for L. Hill'. He established himself in St Leonard Street, Finsbury Square, and from 1823, in his own premises at 9 West Street, Soho. According to William Meredith Morris, he was born a few miles outside Dublin and developed a love for the fiddle in childhood, making instruments from various materials. At fourteen, he made a violin from a willow block, which he sold to a fiddler who brought it to Perry and Wilkinson. Old Perry, impressed by his workmanship, invited him to learn violin-making, an invitation Tobin accepted. He remained with the Dublin firm for a number of years, becoming a very clever workman and making the majority of the instruments that brought fame to Perry & Wilkinson. Later he moved to London and worked for "old" Betts until Betts' death in 1823. Tobin was described as eccentric and intemperate, often trying Betts' patience. He would save money, remain sober for a few months, then embark on a two or three-week carouse, spending all his savings. When working, he was busy and incommunicative. He died in great poverty in Shoreditch.

Craft

• Workmanship: Richard Tobin produced very accurate and finely finished work in classical Italian styles. He was an excellent workman.
• Scroll Carving: He had the reputation of being the finest scroll carver in London in his time, and his hand can be recognized on many instruments with the shop labels of Betts, Dodd, and Gilkes. William Meredith Morris states that he would finish a scroll within two hours, and his scrolls are superb, never bettered by Antonio Stradivari.
• Patterns: He usually followed the Stradivari or Guarneri patterns, exclusively imitating them.
• Tone: The tone of his instruments is good, and they are much liked in England. His violoncellos are considered among the best made in England.
• Labeling & Signing: Instruments are often signed internally on the table and sometimes branded below the back button. Authentic labels are extremely rare.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: Richard Tobin was apprenticed to Thomas Perry in Dublin from 1792 to 1798.
• Early Employment: He worked briefly for Bartholomew Murphy in Cork.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: He worked under the aegis of Lockey Hill, as evidenced by a violin dated 1817 signed 'R. Tobin for L. Hill'. He did a great deal of work for John Betts, and his hand can be recognized on instruments with the shop labels of Betts, Dodd, and Gilkes.
• Advisory: His move to London is said to have been on the advice of V. Panormo.

Legacy

• Reputation: His instruments are much appreciated by the best judges and are much liked in England.
• Family Continuity: A son of his was also a maker.
• Poverty: Despite his skill, he died in great poverty in Shoreditch.
• Rarity of Labeled Instruments: Few instruments bear his own label; William Meredith Morris states he had seen no more than two, and does not think there are a dozen in existence.

Further Information

• Residences & Workshops: One instrument bearing his label gives Waterford as his residence in 1800. In London, he was established in St Leonard Street, Finsbury Square, and from 1823, in his own premises at 9 West Street, Soho.