England School
Edward Betts
d. 1817
Edward Betts, also known as 'Ned', was a London-based luthier who died in 1817. He was the nephew of John Betts (I) and a pupil of Richard Duke, whose style significantly influenced his work. Betts was known for his excellent and carefully finished craftsmanship, consistently adhering to and expertly copying the Amati model. While some sources describe his instruments' tone as round and sweet, others note its powerful quality.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1800 c. | March 1990 | £3,960 |
| Violin | 1800 c. | May 1986 | £1,012 |
Maker Overview
Life
Edward Betts (d. 1817), known as 'Ned', was the nephew of John Betts (I) and died in London, UK, in 1817., he worked for Richard Duke and subsequently for his uncle John in the Royal Exchange.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- William Meredith Morris notes that his workmanship is excellent, though it lacks individuality and is somewhat over-mechanical in its general appearance. Cecie Stainer adds that his instruments were most carefully finished.
- Models
- He adhered to the Amati model throughout, copying it with an exactness that, has not been surpassed in Britain. Cecie Stainer confirms he made very good copies of older makers, especially N. Amati.
- Tone
- William Meredith Morris describes the tone as round, sweet, and moderately powerful, but suggests it was not sufficiently clear to carry far and had a somewhat viola-like quality. Cecie Stainer states his instruments had a powerful tone.
- Labels
- William Meredith Morris never saw a label of his.
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was a pupil of Richard Duke, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
- Work Environment: He worked for Richard Duke and later for his uncle, John Betts, in the Royal Exchange.
- Style: His work exhibits many characteristics of Richard Duke.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
BETTS, Edward died 1817 London UK. Nephew of John Betts (I), below. Known as ‘Ned’. Worked for Richard Duke and subsequently for his uncle John in the Royal Exchange. [BVMA]
William Meredith Morris+
He was the nephew of the above, and worked a great deal for him. Like his uncle, he was a pupil of Richard Duke, and produced work which has many of the characteristics of the master. The date of birth is unknown, but he died in 1817 — six years before his uncle. His workmanship is excellent. Its only fault is that it lacks in individuality, and is over-mechanical in its general appearance. He adhered to the Amati model throughout, and copied it with an exactness which has not been surpassed in Britain. Had he been so successful in reproducing Amati’s tone as Banks and the other copyists had been, he would rank much higher in the estimation of posterity. But the tone is not bad ; it is round, sweet, and moderately powerful. It did not strike me as being sufficiently clear to carry far, and there was something rather viola-like about it. That might be due in part to long disuse. I have never seen a label of his.
Cecie Stainer+
Nephew of John Betts, like him a pupil of Richard Duke. He died before his uncle, probably between 1815 and 1820. He was a good maker, his instruments had a powerful tone, and all the work most carefully finished.
He made very good copies of older makers, more especially of N. Amati. Other members of this family were not violin makers themselves though they continued the business as dealers.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Neffe von John Betts und wie dieser Schüler von R. Duke. Ein tüchtiger
Geigenmacher, dessen eigene Arbeiten Lob verdienen. Die Einlagen machte er
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