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Dublin School

Thomas (II) Perry

Dublin, worked 1745–1818

Thomas (II) Perry (circa 1745-1818) was a prominent Dublin-based luthier, son and successor to Thomas Perry (I).

Worked Dublin
Made Cello, Viola, Violin
Family Son of Thomas Perry

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£5,052

43 results

Type Details Auction house Sold Price
ViolinUnlabelled, branded Perry, Dublin, few worm holes in scroll, repairs to table, sound post crack in table Lot 258Brompton'sJune 2020£3,120est. £ 1,500-2,200
Violin Lot 102BonhamsOctober 2012£4,750
Violin35.4 cm Dublin, 1770 c.March 2011£4,800
Violin35.4 cm Dublin, 1820 c. (in need of restoration)December 2009£313
Violin35.3 cm Dublin, 1824October 2009£1,112
Violin35.3 cm Dublin, 1790 c. bearing original neckMarch 2009£1,200
Violin35.4 cm Dublin, 1806 (restorations)March 2009£3,120
Violin35.5 cm Dublin, 1773March 2008£3,750
Violin35.3 cm Dublin, 1813May 2007£560
Violin35.5 cm Dublin, 1815October 2006£5,052
Violin35.4 cm Dublin, 1790 c.May 2006£542
ViolinDublin, 1815February 2005£1,920
ViolinDublin, 1809July 2004£4,200
Violin1790May 2003£1,645
Violin1790September 2002£690
Violin1816February 2002£1,400
Violin1823July 2000£3,120
Violin1804June 1998£1,840
Violin1820March 1998£1,322
Violin1813February 1998£2,425
Viola39.1 cm 1785November 1997£4,083
Violin1810 c.October 1997£608
Violin1803June 1997£632
Violin1791May 1996£1,203
Violin1813December 1995£1,736
Violin1804June 1995£483
Violin1808March 1995£1,380
Violin1796March 1995£2,300
Violin1814November 1994£1,725
Violin1803October 1994£1,380
Violin1813June 1994£1,265
Violin1772March 1994£2,530
Violin1800 c.November 1993£1,338
Violin1801June 1993£1,210
Violin1804March 1993£3,520
Violin1796November 1992£462
Violin1800 c.November 1992£990
Violin1790June 1992£1,980
Violin1800 c.November 1991£1,760
Violin1780 c.April 1991£1,760
Cello1800 c.June 1988£1,540
Cello18--November 1983£4,620
Viola39.1 cm 1824April 1983£1,210

Maker Overview

Life

Thomas (II) Perry (circa 1745-1818) worked in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, from approximately 1745 to 1818.

Characteristics

Prolific and Versatile Maker
Thomas (II) Perry was a prolific and versatile maker, producing plucked instruments of all kinds, various viols, and at least one double bass.
Violin Characteristics
His violins generally exhibit a Tyrolean character, with various grades of quality, some of which are of a very high standard; some examples are unpurfled.
Similarities
His work is very similar to that of Duke and other London makers.
Varnish
Two recipes for his varnish survive, both being mixtures of various resins and alcohol in different proportions, including sandarac, Venice turpentine, and seedlac.
Branding
Instruments were often branded beneath the back button with 'Perry, Dublin'.
Labels
Examples of labels include 'Made by / Thos. Perry and Wm. Wilkinson / Musical instrument Makers / No. 6 Anglesea Street. / No. 1502 Dublin, 1789' and 'Made by Thomas Perry Dublin 1767'.
Recorded labels
  • Often branded beneath the back button: ‘Perry, Dublin’ Made by
    Thos. Perry and Wm. Wilkinson
    Musical instrument Makers
    No. 6 Anglesea Street.
    No. 1502John Dilworth
  • Dublin, 1789John Dilworth
  • Made by Thomas Perry Dublin 1767John Dilworth

Influence and legacy

  • Predecessor: Thomas (II) Perry was the son and successor of Thomas Perry (I).
  • Pupils and Assistants: His pupils and assistants included Tregart or Deegar, whose name is signed inside at least one example, W. Ringwood, and John McNeill.
  • Successor Pupil: The Perry & Wilkinson shop was eventually taken over by another pupil, John Mackintosh.
  • Business Continuation: The business established by Thomas (II) Perry continued under the direction of his son-in-law W. Wilkinson until 1828, and was later taken over by his pupil, John Mackintosh.
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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

PERRY, Thomas (II) Worked circa. 1745-1818 Dublin Republic of Ireland Son and successor of Thomas Perry (I), above. Worked at Christ Church Yard until 1771 when he moved to 6 Anglesea Street. During this time he may have worked with G. Ward of Aston’s Quay, whose work is substantially similar to instruments labelled by Perry. In 1790 entered into partnership with son-in-law W. Wilkinson. The business moved to 4 Anglesea Street in 1796 and carried on under Wilkinson’s direction until 1828, ten years after the death of Perry. Pupils and assistants include one Tregart or Deegar (whose name is signed inside at least one example), W. Ringwood, and John McNeill. Perry & Wilkinson shop eventually taken over by another pupil, John Mackintosh. At various times (c.1770 and 1789) Vincenzo Panormo was active in Dublin and very possibly working for Perry. Prolific and versatile maker; production includes plucked instruments of all kinds, various viols, and at least one double bass. Violins are generally Tyrolean in general character; various grades (the best of a very high standard); some unpurfled. Very similar to the work of Duke and other London makers. Two recipes for his varnish survive, both mixtures of various resins and alcohol in different proportions, including sandarac, venice turpentine, and seedlac. Often branded beneath the back button: ‘Perry, Dublin’ Made by / Thos. Perry and Wm. Wilkinson / Musical instrument Makers / No. 6 Anglesea Street. / No. 1502 Dublin, 1789 Made by Thomas Perry Dublin 1767 [BVMA]

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