Joseph (I) Hill
Alvechurch, London, 1715–1784
Joseph (I) Hill (1715-1784) was a distinguished English luthier born in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, who established his independent workshop in London from 1753. A pupil of Peter Wamsley and a contemporary of Benjamin Banks, Hill was renowned for his prolific output, crafting instruments, particularly cellos and contralto violas, on refined Stainer and Amati models. His business, which operated from various London locations including High Holborn, Angel Court, and the Haymarket, eventually became 'Joseph Hill & Sons' from 1773-1776, with his four sons, William, Joseph (II), Lockey, and Benjamin, contributing to the craft. His eldest son, Joseph (II), took over the management of the workshop around 1780.
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
54 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Lot 172 | Bonhams | May 2015 | £9,687 |
| Cello | Lot 205 | Bonhams | May 2014 | £23,125 |
| Viola | Lot 96 | Bonhams | May 2014 | £2,500 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm London, 1769 | — | September 2011 | £9,600 |
| Cello | 75.3 cm London, 1760 c. | — | September 2011 | £28,800 |
| Cello | 75.4 cm London, 1770 c. | — | May 2011 | £40,059 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm London, 1760 c. | — | March 2010 | £10,800 |
| Cello | 74.6 cm 1770 c. Attributed to | — | March 2010 | £7,200 |
| Cello | 75.6 cm London, 1771 | — | March 2010 | £43,250 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1770 c. | — | October 2009 | £3,671 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1763 | — | December 2008 | £18,429 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm London, 1770 c. Probably by | — | November 2008 | £2,371 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm 1770 c. | — | October 2007 | £5,411 |
| Cello | 75.3 cm London, 1780 c. | — | February 2006 | £14,400 |
| Viola | 39.9 cm London, 1763 | — | February 2006 | £7,800 |
| Violin | Late 18th C. Probably by | — | May 2005 | £6,716 |
| Viola | 40.1 cm London, 1770 c. | — | February 2005 | £5,760 |
| Cello | London, 1772 | — | November 2004 | £28,680 |
| Violin | 1770 c. | — | November 2001 | £4,112 |
| Violin | 1770 | — | November 2000 | £4,600 |
| Viola | 37.9 cm 1779 | — | May 2000 | £4,578 |
| Violin | 1770 c. | — | May 1999 | £2,181 |
| Viola | 39.9 cm 1770 c. | — | November 1998 | £8,050 |
| Viola | 37.9 cm 1770 c. | — | November 1998 | £3,450 |
| Violin | 1768 | — | November 1998 | £4,830 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1768 | — | October 1998 | £6,210 |
| Viola | 42.0 cm 1770 | — | March 1998 | £13,800 |
| Violin | 17-- | — | November 1997 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1772 | — | June 1997 | £3,220 |
| Cello | 1757 | — | November 1996 | £10,580 |
| Cello | 1775 | — | June 1996 | £23,000 |
| Viola | 38.1 cm 1770 | — | March 1996 | £2,530 |
| Violin | 1756 | — | March 1996 | £2,760 |
| Violin | 1760 c. | — | November 1995 | £4,140 |
| Cello | 1770 | — | November 1995 | £12,650 |
| Viola | 37.8 cm 17-- | — | November 1995 | £3,220 |
| Cello | — | June 1995 | £8,970 | |
| Violin | 1740 | — | May 1995 | £3,306 |
| Violin | 1771 | — | March 1995 | £4,370 |
| Cello | 1775 | — | November 1994 | £6,721 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1772 | — | November 1994 | £6,325 |
| Cello | 1773 | — | November 1994 | £27,600 |
| Viola | 38.1 cm 1751 | — | May 1994 | £4,081 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1774 | — | November 1993 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1770 c. | — | October 1993 | £2,640 |
| Cello | 1760 c. | — | March 1993 | £8,580 |
| Violin | 1740 | — | July 1992 | £1,210 |
| Viola | 37.8 cm 1779 | — | March 1992 | £4,400 |
| Viola | 40.3 cm 1758 | — | March 1988 | £11,000 |
| Viola | 40.3 cm 1758 | — | November 1985 | £13,200 |
| Viola | 37.8 cm 1779 | — | April 1985 | £1,870 |
| Viola | 40.3 cm 1770 | — | January 1985 | £5,720 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1775 | — | September 1982 | £2,200 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1771 | — | March 1981 | £1,893 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Joseph (I) Hill (1715-1784) was born in 1715 in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, UK, and passed away in London in 1784., he relocated to London after 1746 and likely found employment in the workshop of the late Peter Wamsley. He established his own independent business from 1753 in High Holborn, London. His workshop subsequently moved to Angel Court, Westminster, in 1756, then to the ‘Harp & Flute’ in Pall Mall in 1761, and finally to Haymarket, where he operated from 1765 to 1780. From 1773 to 1776, the business was known as ‘Joseph Hill & Sons’. Around 1780, his eldest son, Joseph (II), assumed management of the shop, and Joseph (I) retired to Avery Row, New Bond Street, as detailed by Dilworth.
Characteristics
- Prolific Maker
- Joseph (I) Hill was a prolific maker, known for his refined instruments (John Dilworth).
- Models
- He crafted instruments on refined Stainer and Amati models (John Dilworth).
- Prized Instruments
- His cellos and contralto violas are particularly prized (John Dilworth). William Meredith Morris notes that his violoncellos and double-basses are highly praised, a sentiment, who adds that his violoncellos and double-basses are especially liked. George Hart also highlights his well-made violoncellos and tenors.
- Varnish
- Some of his instruments feature a fine oil varnish (Cecie Stainer).
- Notable Usage
- Mr. Arthur Broadley currently uses a small-sized Joseph Hill violoncello in his solo playing (William Meredith Morris).
- Made & sold by Josh. Hill
at ye Violin in Angel Court
17 Westminster 51 Joseph Hill, Maker
at the Harp and Flute
in the Hay Market
17 London 66 Joseph Hill & Sons, makers
at the Harp and Flute
in the Hay Market
London 1771John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Training: Joseph (I) Hill was a pupil of Peter Wamsley (George Hart, Cecie Stainer).
- Early Career: He worked at "Ye Harp and Hautboy" in Piccadilly, London, under Peter Wamsley, around 1740-42 (William Meredith Morris, Cecie Stainer).
- Contemporaries: He was a fellow-apprentice with Benjamin Banks (William Meredith Morris, Cecie Stainer).
- Family Business: His sons, William, Joseph (II), Lockey, and Benjamin, were all makers and assisted him in his business (William Meredith Morris, Cecie Stainer).
- Succession: His eldest son, Joseph (II), took over the management of the shop around 1780 (John Dilworth).
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
HILL, Joseph (I) Born 1715 Alvechurch, Worcestershire, died 1784 London UK. Moved to London after 1746 and probably gained employment at the workshop of the late Peter Wamsley. Established independently from 1753 in High Holborn, London, moving to Angel Court, Westminster 1756, the ‘Harp & Flute’, Pall Mall 1761, and finally in Haymarket 1765-1780. From 1773-1776 the business was known as ‘Joseph Hill & Sons’ and in c.1780, his eldest son, Joseph (II), below, took over management of the shop, the elder Joseph retiring to Avery Row, New Bond Street. A prolific maker on refined Stainer and Amati models; cellos and contralto violas particularly prized. His work is found with his own label, but also that of various provincial dealers whom he supplied. Made & sold by Josh. Hill / at ye Violin in Angel Court / 17 Westminster 51 Joseph Hill, Maker / at the Harp and Flute / in the Hay Market / 17 London 66 Joseph Hill & Sons, makers / at the Harp and Flute / in the Hay Market / London 1771 [BVMA]
George Hart+
Pupil of Peter Wamsley. His Violoncellos and Tenors are well-made instruments.
William Meredith Morris+
He worked at “Ye Harp and Hautboy,” in Piccadilly, London, under Peter Wamsley, where he was a fellow-apprentice with Benjamin Banks. He worked also in various other places, and was assisted by his sons, William, Joseph, Lockey, and Benjamin. I have not seen any of his instruments, but his violoncellos and double-basses are highly praised. Mr. Arthur Broadley uses a small-sized Joseph Hill violoncello in his solo playing at present.
Cecie Stainer+
b. 1715 ; d. 1784. He was a fellow-apprentice of Banks, working at ” Ye Harp and Hautboy,” in Piccadilly, London, under Peter Wamsley, about 1740-42. Then worked in High Holborn (1753). then at the sign of “Ye Violin,” in Angel Court, Westminster (1756). and lastly at the sign of the ” Harp and Flute ” in the Haymarket (1762).
Later on. his sons became partners in the business. His instruments are of great merit; his violoncellos and double-basses are especially liked, some have a fine oil varnish.
Label: ” Joseph Hill, maker at the “Harp and Flute” in the Hay-market, 17 London, 69″ ; similar labels are dated 1772.
His sons. William, Joseph, Lockey, and Benjamin, were all makers.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Der Stammvater der heute noch blühenden Familie, den man jedoch nur
nach einer Tagebuchaufzeichnung von Depys kennt, der ihn am 17. Febr. 1660
wegen seiner Laute und seiner Viola zu Rathe zog.
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