Edward Newman (Edward II) Withers

History

Edward Newman (Edward II) WITHERS (1844-1915) was born in London, UK, on October 22, 1844, and died in 1915. He was the son and pupil of Edward (I) Withers. He commenced business at 31 Coventry Street, London, in 1856. Initially, he worked with his brother George, but they separated shortly after their father's death, with Edward (II) taking control of the main business. Edward (II) established a new shop at 12 Princes Street in 1878, which was renamed 24 Wardour Street the following year. In 1881, he moved again to 22 Wardour Street, an address that remained open under the Withers name until 1991. He was appointed violin maker to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh on June 1, 1893. Edward (II) was notably more active as a practical violin maker than his father, though he also utilized an experienced workshop.

Craft

• Production Rate: He was said to produce approximately twelve instruments annually, with some sources stating he completed only one violin per month, executing all parts himself.
• Models: He exclusively copied the Stradivari and Guarneri models.
• Wood: He used very old and carefully selected wood.
• Varnish: His varnish was entirely oil-based, varying in color from amber to brown, red, or golden red. He applied amber varnish first, allowing the instrument to dry for some years before applying the color, which was also oil-based. He held a strong belief that varnish significantly affects tone quality, leading him to conduct extensive experiments to understand the "secret out of the great Ghost of Cremona." His varnish is described as exceedingly good, well-laid, rich, "juicy," and perfectly transparent.
• Instrument Types: He made a large number of instruments, including violins, tenors, and violoncellos.
• Innovation: In November 1896, Mr. Withers invented the "E. Withers' Patent Prepared Hollow Sound-Post."
• Bow Making: He was also esteemed as a bow maker, with a great reputation in England for his bows.
• Notable Instruments: Around 1870, he made a quartet (two violins, viola, and 'cello) from a beam of maple found in his loft. This quartet is considered the finest known in England and was in the possession of his sons.
• Prices: His prices were violins and tenors from £10 to £65, and violoncellos from £20 to £150.

Influence

• Teachers: He was the son and pupil of his father, Edward (I) Withers, and also a pupil of John Lott (II).
• Collaboration: He worked with his father for a period of over twenty-five years, during which he made many new instruments and executed nearly all the principal repairs entrusted to the firm.

Legacy

• Royal Appointment: He was appointed violin maker to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh in 1893.
• Family Business: His three sons, Edward Sidney Munns (born August 3, 1870), Sidney Bernard (born October 22, 1873), and Douglas Sidney (born August 10, 1879), assisted him in the business.
• Business Longevity: The business at 22 Wardour Street remained open under the Withers name until 1991.
• Esteem: Violins by him are esteemed and sought after.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He commenced business at 31 Coventry Street, London, in 1856. He later established a new shop at 12 Princes Street in 1878, which was renamed 24 Wardour Street the following year. In 1881, he moved to 22 Wardour Street. Sources contain conflicting information, with one also mentioning 22 Leicester Square, London.
• Label: His label was almost identical to his father's, but included the street name and house number, and was not dated.
• Personal Life: Mr. Withers played the violin, tenor, and cello, and frequently hosted quartet and symphony parties at his private house, Elmwood, Atkins Road, Clapham Park.

Summary

Edward Newman (Edward II) WITHERS (1844-1915) was a prominent English violin maker, son and pupil of Edward (I) Withers and John Lott (II). Active from 1856, he took control of the family business after his father's death, establishing his workshop at 22 Wardour Street, which operated under the Withers name until 1991. Appointed violin maker to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1893, he was known for his prolific output of about twelve instruments annually, crafted on Stradivari and Guarneri models using carefully selected wood and a distinctive oil varnish application method. He also invented the "E. Withers' Patent Prepared Hollow Sound-Post" and was esteemed as a bow maker. His three sons later assisted him in the business, continuing his legacy.