London School
Thomas Cahusac
London, d. 1798
Thomas Cahusac (1755-1798) was a notable London-based music publisher and musical instrument maker of Huguenot extraction, operating from the "Two Flutes and Violin" in the Strand from 1755 until his death. Renowned for producing a variety of instruments, including flutes, violins, and viols, he was recognized as 'the oldest musical instrument maker in and near London' at the time of his passing. His violins, often of trade quality, featured distinctive Stainer archings and dark varnish, though superior examples also exist. Cahusac maintained a significant association with Benjamin Banks, exchanging instruments between their respective shops. His business legacy continued through his sons as 'Cahusac & Sons' until 1816.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.6 cm London, 1795 c. | November 2011 | £5,263 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm cirac 1780 (restorations) [Attributed to] | June 2011 | £720 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm London, 1782 | June 2011 | £2,880 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm London, 1790 c. [Probably by] | March 2008 | £2,375 |
| Violin | London, 1798 | May 2005 | £1,185 |
| Violin | 1790 | February 2001 | £920 |
| Violin | 17-- | May 1997 | £220 |
| Violin | 1789 | June 1996 | £1,610 |
| Violin | 1798 | October 1990 | £506 |
| Violin | 1800 c. | November 1988 | £770 |
| Violin | 1796 | September 1987 | £462 |
| Violin | 1798 | June 1987 | £385 |
| Violin | 1795 | May 1986 | £220 |
| Violin | 1798 | September 1984 | £308 |
| Cello | 17-- | June 1984 | £906 |
| Violin | 17-- | November 1982 | £496 |
Maker Overview
Life
Thomas Cahusac (1755-1798) worked from 1755 and died in 1798 in London, UK. He was a music publisher and musical instrument maker, operating from the sign of the "Two Flutes and Violin" in the Strand, near St. Clement's Church. Of Huguenot extraction, his business ran from 1755 to 1798., he advertised flutes, violins, viols, and various keyboard and other instruments, alongside sheet music. His obituary notice described him as 'the oldest musical instrument maker in and near London'. He worked in association with Benjamin Banks from 1780 to 1792, supplying flutes to Banks' Salisbury shop and selling Banks' violins in London. His sons, Thomas Jr. and William Maurice, also established an independent business nearby at 196 Strand. Thomas Jr. married Banks' daughter Anne and worked briefly in Minster Street, Reading, Berkshire, before returning to the 196 Strand address in 1789 and later being found at 41 Haymarket in 1801. The business continued as 'Cahusac & Sons' until 1816.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Violins produced by Thomas Cahusac are generally considered of trade quality, with some examples being quite eccentric, such as one having the upper bouts broader than the lower.
- Materials and Finish
- Instruments are often made without purfling from cheaper materials and feature thin spirit varnish.
- Archings
- They frequently exhibit high, exaggerated Stainer archings.
- Quality Variation
- Despite the general trade quality, there are superior instruments, indicating that good craftsmen were employed by the firm at various times.
- Styling
- Typical of London fashion, his instruments are generally of Amati or Stainer form with dark varnish.
- German Style
- adhered to the German style; his model is highly arched, and while the purfling is absent, his amber-brown varnish is beautiful.
- Copies
- Saxon copies labeled Cahusac are dated up to 1820, with Paris given as the origin.
- Cahusac
No.76 near St. Clement’s Church Strand. London.
1795John Dilworth - Thos Cahusac
Flute Maker
at the Two Flutes and Violin
Opposite to St Clements Church in ye Strand
London No. 196 Opposite St. Clement’s Church Strand 17 London 96John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Collaboration: Thomas Cahusac worked in association with Benjamin Banks from 1780 to 1792, supplying flutes to Banks' Salisbury shop and selling Banks' violins in London, as detailed by John Dilworth.
- Family Ties: His son, Thomas Jr., married Benjamin Banks' daughter Anne.
- Association with Banks' Sons: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that he worked almost exclusively with Banks' sons. William Meredith Morris notes that nothing is known of him except his association with the sons of Benjamin Banks for some time. Cecie Stainer also confirms he worked in association with the sons of Banks in London about 1788.
- Business Continuation: The business continued under the name 'Cahusac & Sons' until 1816.
- Son's Specialization:, his son ('Cahusac Son') became known as a maker of oboes.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
CAHUSAC, Thomas Worked from 1755, died 1798 London UK. Music publisher and musical instrument maker at the sign of the ‘Two Flutes and Violin’ in the Strand, near St. Clement’s Church. Of Hugenot extraction. In business from 1755-1798. Advertised flutes, violins, viols, and various keyboard and other instruments, alongside sheet music. His obituary notice described him as ‘the oldest musical instrument maker in and near London’. Worked in association with Benjamin Banks 1780-1792, supplying flutes to Banks’ Salisbury shop, and selling Banks’ violins in London. Sons Thomas and William Maurice also established an independent business nearby at 196 Strand. Thomas jr. married Banks’ daughter Anne, and worked briefly in Minster Street, Reading, Berkshire before returning to the 196 Strand address in 1789 and is found at 41 Haymarket in 1801. The business continued as ‘Cahusac & Sons’ until 1816. Violins are generally of no more than trade quality, some quite eccentric, one example having the upper bouts broader than the lower. Generally they are made without purfling from cheaper materials and thin spirit varnish and often high, exaggerated Stainer archings. There are superior instruments however, and good craftsmen were employed by the firm at various times. Typical of London fashion, they are generally of Amati or Stainer form with dark varnish. Saxon copies labelled Cahusac are dated up to 1820, with Paris given as the origin. Cahusac / No.76 near St. Clement’s Church Strand. London. / 1795 Thos Cahusac / Flute Maker / at the Two Flutes and Violin / Opposite to St Clements Church in ye Strand / London No. 196 Opposite St. Clement’s Church Strand 17 London 96
William Meredith Morris+
Nothing known of him except that he was associated with the sons of Benjamin Banks for some little time.
Cecie Stainer+
Worked in association with the sons of Banks in London about 1788.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er arbeitete fast nur mit den Söhnen von Banks gemeinsam; desshalb kommen
Geigen mit seinem Namen äusserst selten vor. Er hielt sich an den deutschen
Stil; sein Modell ist hochgewölbt. Die Einlage fehlt zwar, dagegen ist sein
bernsteinbrauner Lack schön. Sein Sohn (»Cahusac Son«) ist als Verfertiger
von Oboen bekannt geworden.
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Working in London at the same time
Adam Martin worked 1790–1798
Alexander Kennedy worked 1730–1785
Arthur (I) Betts worked 1763–1765
Baines worked 1780
Barton worked 1768–1779
Benjamin (II) Banks 1758–1820
Benjamin Hill 1754–1793
Bernhard Simon Fendt 1769–1832