Thomas Urquhart

History

Thomas Urquhart (circa. 1629-c.1698) was an important early British maker, active in London about 1650-80. His origins are unclear but probably lie in Inverness, Scotland, according to John Dilworth. Authenticated labels for Urquhart are rare, but most published sources indicate that he worked on London Bridge. Various music shops were located on London Bridge during this period, including that of John and Elizabeth Miller, who may have acted as agents for Urquhart. His work has also been found bearing the labels of John Shaw, the owner of another music shop in The Strand. No records have been found for his own habitation in the city or its environs.

Craft

• Workmanship: Thomas Urquhart's work is quite fastidious, appearing to be on an Amati model, with some instruments featuring slightly pinched arching, while others are slightly more bulbous and Brescian. His style may be considered as resembling that of Jacob Rayman.
• Models: His violins are of two sizes, some on a small pattern and others on a large pattern, both of which are described as very highly arched. One contralto viola has been recorded, but no cellos are known.
• Construction Details: The corners are not very prominent or are described as blunt. The purfling is narrow and placed close to the edge, being remarkably neat with an extended mitre in the corners. Corners may be shaped to a flattened arrow-shaped point rather than a simple squared-off terminus. The ribs are set into a slot cut in the inner edge of the back, a characteristic shared with contemporary Flemish makers. Scrolls usually feature a fan-shaped incised carving at the chin and drill points tracing the spiral of the volutes. Soundholes are stylized in various ways with extended pointed or spade-shaped wings.
• Varnish: The oil varnish is of excellent quality, often yellowish-brown or sometimes red, and is similar to Italian varnish. It is also described as high-quality golden brown, quite Amati-like in appearance, although somewhat harder.
• Materials: Urquhart generally used quite plain materials, probably of local species.
• Tone: The tone of his instruments is clear and silvery, and his violins are considered excellent in tone.
• Labels: Manuscript labels include 'Thos Urquhart 1681'. Printed labels include 'Tho. Urquhart, 166..' and 'Tho. Urquhart Fecit Londini 1646'.

Influence

• Training: Thomas Urquhart may have worked with Jacob Rayman, and it is possible that he emerged from the same school as Rayman.
• Mentorship: He may have been the teacher of Edw. Pamphilon.

Legacy

• Rarity: Instruments made by Thomas Urquhart are considered rare.
• Recognition: His violins have often been mistaken by non-experts for genuine Stainer or even Gasparo da Salò instruments.
• Exhibitions: Works by Thomas Urquhart were exhibited at the Vienna Music and Theatre Exhibition (Wiener Musik- und Theater-Ausstellung).