London School
John Frederick (I) Lott
London, 1776–1853
John Frederick (I) Lott (1776-1853) was a highly skilled English luthier, originally a chair-maker, who became renowned for his exceptional double basses, often compared to Italian instruments. After an apprenticeship with Thomas Dodd, he established his own business in London, producing instruments noted for their precise and finished workmanship, despite his varnish often being considered of lesser quality. His sons, George Frederick and John Frederick, also became makers.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cello | Labelled J.F. Lott Maker, London | March 2024 | £42,000 |
| Violin | 35.0 cm [Attributed to] | May 2007 | £1,440 |
| Violin | London, 1850 c. | November 2005 | £28,800 |
| Violin | 1850 | March 2000 | £14,950 |
| Violin | 1850 c. | November 1996 | £27,600 |
| Violin | 1840 c. | March 1996 | £20,700 |
| Violin | 1820 c. | February 1996 | £7,245 |
| Violin | 18-- | March 1995 | £23,805 |
| Violin | 1850 | November 1994 | £17,175 |
| Violin | 1860 c. | November 1993 | £19,550 |
| Violin | 1840 c. | April 1993 | £1,870 |
| Violin | 1840 c. | November 1991 | £17,600 |
| Violin | 1850 c. | June 1990 | £24,200 |
| Violin | 1850 c. | June 1989 | £20,900 |
| Violin | 1840 c. | March 1989 | £9,900 |
| Violin | 1850 c. | March 1989 | £11,000 |
| Violin | 1835 c. | March 1988 | £13,200 |
| Viola | 40.2 cm 1830 c. | November 1985 | £7,150 |
| Violin | 18-- | November 1985 | £16,200 |
| Violin | 1840 | May 1985 | £4,400 |
| Violin | 18-- | November 1983 | £11,550 |
| Violin | 1850 c. | March 1981 | £4,497 |
| Violin | 1800-50 | January 1981 | £1,271 |
Maker Overview
Life
John Frederick (I) Lott (1776-1853) was born in 1776, likely in Germany, and died on April 13, 1853, in London, UK, being buried in the Churchyard of St. Giles-in-the-Fields. He was originally a chair-maker or engaged in the cabinet business early in life. He came to London in his younger years, where he became friends with B. S. Fendt. In March 1798, he began an apprenticeship with Thomas Dodd, with whom he worked until 1834. Subsequently, in 1835, he established his own business in King Street, Seven Dials. By 1851, he was living at 24 St Anne's Court, Soho.
Characteristics
- Instrument Focus
- John Frederick (I) Lott was especially well-known for his double basses, which are regarded as splendid instruments capable of comparison with Italian work. He also made excellent violoncellos and basses for Thomas Dodd. Violins and violas made by him are uncommon, as many were produced for Dodd and are not easily identifiable.
- Workmanship
- His work was of a most finished description, characterized by great skill and precision. The interior of his double basses was as beautifully finished as the exterior, and the scrolls were finely cut. He was noted for spending double the time on his instruments compared to other English makers.
- Models and Varnish
- He generally produced fine copies of Stradivari or Amati instruments. However, his varnish was often considered less beautiful, thin, or poor in quality, not matching the excellence of his craftsmanship.
- Unique Features
- The machines on many of his basses were made by himself, which was a very unusual circumstance for the time.
- Labeling
- Instruments made for Dodd often carried Dodd's label. His own label read "J. F. Lott / Maker / London 18..".
- J. F. Lott
Maker
London 18..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was induced by his friendship with B. S. Fendt to turn his attention to making violins. He subsequently entered an apprenticeship with Thomas Dodd in March 1798, where he developed great skill.
- Family Continuity: His two sons, George Frederick Lott and John Frederick Lott, both followed in his footsteps and became makers.
- Reputation: He was certainly regarded as "the king of the English Double-Bass makers" due to the exceptional quality of his instruments.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
LOTT, John Frederick (I) Born 1776, died 1853 London UK. Associated with B. S. Fendt with whom he worked for Thomas Dodd 1798-1834. Subsequently established his own business in King Street, Seven Dials 1835. In 1851 he was living at 24 St Anne’s Court, Soho. Especially well-known for his double basses. Regarded as one of the finest English makers of the instrument. Violins and violas are uncommon as many were made for Dodd and are not easily identifiable. Generally fine Stradivari or Amati copies, although the varnish can be rather thin and poor. J. F. Lott / Maker / London 18.. [BVMA]
George Hart+
Was a German by birth. He was engaged in the cabinet business early in life. He was induced by Fendt to turn his attention to making Violins, and ultimately obtained employment under Thomas Dodd, making many of the Violoncellos and Double-Basses that carry the label of Dodd within them. His work was of a most finished description. His Double-Basses are splendid instruments, and will bear comparison with Italian work. His varnish was far from equal to his finish. The time he spent in making these instruments was double that which any other English maker expended over similar work. There is not a single portion of any of his Double-Basses that has been carelessly made ; the interior is as beautifully finished as the exterior. The machines on many of his Basses were made by himself, a very unusual circumstance. The scrolls are finely cut. He was certainly the king of the English Double-Bass makers.
Cecie Stainer+
b. 1775, Germany ; d. April 13, 1853, London, and was buried in the Churchyard of St. Giles-in-the-Fields. While still young came to England and settled in London. He was first a chair-maker; but forming a friendship with Fendt, he began to work at violin making under Thomas Dodd, in March, 1798.
He showed great ability and made many excellent violoncellos and basses for Thomas Dodd, in which were inserted the latter’s labels. He was especially famed for his double-basses, which rival Italian instruments; the work is beautifully finished, both inside and out; the scrolls are well cut, but the varnish is not of good quality. His two sons, George Frederick and John Frederick, were both makers.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er war ursprünglich Stuhlmacher und kam in jungen Jahren nach London,
wo er mit Fendt befreundet wurde und Lust bekam, Geigen zu machen. Im
März 1798 trat er bei Th. Dodd in die Lehre und brachte es zu grosser Geschicklichkeit.
Er machte vortreffliche Violoncelli und Bässe für Dodd und war
namentlich wegen seiner Contrabässe, die den Italienischen ebenbürtig sind, berühmt.
Diese sind sehr genau gearbeitet; auch die Schnecke ist hübsch geschnitzt;
nur sein Lack ist wenig schön.
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Working in London at the same time
A. Pretts worked 1851
Adam Martin worked 1790–1798
Albert Henry Price worked 1850–1890
And Co. Astor worked 1800–1820
Arthur (III) Betts 1803–1869
Baines worked 1780
Benjamin (II) Banks 1758–1820
Bernhard Simon (II) Fendt 1801–1852