Christopher Wise

History

Christopher Wise (1632-after 1679) was an instrument maker established in Vine Court, Bishopsgate, London, UK, from 1650, according to The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth. He moved nearby to Half Moon Alley in 1656, returning to Vine Court in 1661. During his time, he worked closely with G. Miller. The Half Moon Alley address appears to have been taken over by Richard Meares after 1669. Wise is mentioned in the diaries of Samuel Pepys in 1663, the same year Pepys ordered a viol from him. There is a possibility that Wise emigrated to Barbados, as a reference exists to a Christopher Wise established there with 19 acres of land in 1679.

Craft

• Primary Focus: According to William Meredith Morris in British Violin Makers, Christopher Wise was chiefly a maker of viols and produced few violins.
• General Characteristics: Instruments known are often of a small pattern, described by Cecie Stainer in A Dictionary of Violin Makers as "not much arched", while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes "mittlere Wölbung" (medium arching). George Hart in The Violin and Henri Poidras in Critical & Documentary Dictionary Of Violin Makers Old & Modern describe them as having a flat model and small pattern. They feature good outline lines and yellow varnish of good quality, sometimes described as yellow-brown, with careful or neat workmanship.
• Known Instruments: Specific instruments include a bass viol dated 1658; a violin dated 1665 decorated with a crown and the letters 'CR', presumably for 'Charles Rex', as recorded in the Hill Archive; and a six-string viol with a fluted bow found in the inventory of Prince Ferdinand of Tuscany. A violin dated 1661 is noted for its unusual form, featuring very small corners and long symmetrical soundholes, with delicate work resembling violins attributed to Tielke of Hamburg.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Christopher Wise was established in Vine Court, Bishopsgate, from 1650. He moved to Half Moon Alley in 1656, and returned to Vine Court in 1661.
• Labels: Known labels include "Christopher Wise, in Half-Moon Alley, without Bishops-Gate, London, 1656."; "Christopher Wise in vine / court without Bishops / gate, London. Jan 29th, 1658"; and "Christopher Wise in vine / court without Bishops / gate, London, 1661".

Summary

Christopher Wise (1632-after 1679) was a London-based instrument maker, active from 1650, primarily known for his viols and a few violins. He operated from Vine Court and Half Moon Alley in Bishopsgate. His instruments are characterized by a small pattern, good outlines, and quality yellow or yellow-brown varnish, with careful workmanship. Wise is notably mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diaries, and there is speculation he may have later emigrated to Barbados.