John (I) Carter
London, worked 1770–1790
John (I) Carter was a London-based violin maker active from approximately 1770 to 1790, known for producing fine instruments, particularly desirable cellos. He worked extensively for John Betts, with many of his creations bearing Betts' label, though he also produced independent work from his shops in Drury Lane. His instruments often featured an Amatisé outline, golden-brown varnish, and showed the influence of Richard Duke.
Maker Overview
Life
John (I) Carter (circa 1770-1790) worked in London, UK, primarily for John Betts in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers and William Meredith Morris in British Violin Makers. in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, Betts even paid his funeral expenses, leading many of his instruments to bear Betts' labels. His own independent work was labelled from his shop in Little Drury Lane, Strand, between 1773 and 1780, and later from 112 Drury Lane and Wysh Street, Drury Lane, from 1781, as detailed by Dilworth.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Instruments produced by Carter are described as fine, with an Amatisé outline and arching, and good but not outstanding workmanship.
- Varnish
- He used a thin-textured golden-brown varnish, a detail mentioned by both Dilworth and William Meredith Morris.
- Models
- Morris notes that he saw one Amati model violin.
- Desirability
- His cellos are particularly desirable.
- Occasionally branded on upper back exterior: ‘I. Carter’ J Carter
Violin Tennor and Bass Maker
Wysh Street. Drury Lane
London 1781John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: John (I) Carter worked extensively for John Betts, as documented by John Dilworth, William Meredith Morris, and Cecie Stainer.
- Stylistic Influence: There is evidence of Richard Duke's influence in Carter's modelling and varnish.
- Reputation: William Meredith Morris states that Carter was an excellent maker who helped considerably to swell the fame of Betts.
- Collectibility: His cellos are considered particularly desirable.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
CARTER, John Worked circa. 1770-1790 London UK. Worked for John Betts. Fine instruments bearing the Betts label with Amatisé outline and arching of good but not outstanding workmanship. Thin-textured golden-brown varnish. Cellos particularly desirable. Evidence of the influence of Richard Duke in the modelling and varnish. His own independent work is labelled from his shop in Little Drury Lane, Strand 1773-1780, later 112 Drury Lane and Wysh Street, Drury Lane from 1781. Pencilled inscription often found on interior of front and inked signature on back. Occasionally branded on upper back exterior: ‘I. Carter’ J Carter / Violin Tennor and Bass Maker / Wysh Street. Drury Lane / London 1781
William Meredith Morris+
He worked mostly for John Betts, and only occasionally on his own account. He was an excellent maker, and helped considerably to swell the fame of Betts. I have seen one violin of his make, which was on the Amati model, having a beautiful tone. Varnish : golden brown, thinly laid on. Label : —
J. GARTER, VIOLIN, TENOR, AND BASS MAKER, WYCH STREET, DRURY LANE, LONDON. 1785
Cecie Stainer+
Worked in London about 1780-90 for John Betts, and made some excellent instruments, many of which were sold with the label of Betts. His own label was: “J. Carter, Violin, Tennor, and Bass Maker, Wych Street, Drury Lane, London, 1787.”
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Da er für die Betts arbeitete, welche auch, wie erzählt wird, die Leichenkosten für ihn bezahlten, tragen viele seiner Instrumente die Zettel von diesen; die wenigen jedoch, in die er seinen Zettel klebte, sind gut.
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