William Meredith Morris
He works at 21 Poland Street, W., and was born in the parish of Marylebone in 1860, being the second son of Daniel Joseph and Merina Collins. He was educated at the Portland British Schools, studied music from 1879 to 1881, and entered the Polytechnic Institute in 1882 as a student in painting and drawing. In 1885 he was awarded the Queen’s prize and certificate in these subjects by the Kensington Science and Art Department. He was brought up to his father’s calling — that of surgical instrument maker, and became a skilled workman in pearl, ivory, tortoiseshell, silver, gold, and other materials. In 1890 he was possessed with the desire to make violins, and he devoured all the books that were obtainable on the subject of the construction of the king of instruments, and he also carefully examined and measured very many fine fiddles. In 1897 he was married to Jessie Emma, youngest daughter of George and Sarah Searles. In 1900, after an extended study of about ten years on the subject, he put into practice his theory of violin-making. Since then he has made seven instruments.
He works on the Strad model, but the measurements are in a few instances slightly modified, as will be seen from the following figures : —
Length … 14 1/8ins,Width across upper bouts . . . 6 9/16ins,Width across middle bouts . . . 4 3/8ins,Width across lower bouts … 8 1/8ins,Length of C’s … 3 1/8ins,Length of sound-holes … 2 15/16ins,Depth of ribs at bottom … 1 1/4ins,Depth of ribs at top … 1 1/8ins,Distance between sound-holes at top 1 5/8ins,
In one specimen examined by me the Strad outline was considerably modified in the inner bouts. The arching is flatter, especially in the front table. The scroll is excellently carved and in the spirit of the maestro but the sound-holes are a sort of compromise between those of Anthony and Joseph (Del Gesu). The purfling is beautifully inlaid, but is rather too near the edge in some examples, where it is just a trifle under one-eighth. The edge is full and nicely rounded. On the whole, the workmanship is excellent and in splendid taste. The varnish is an oil one of Mr. Collins’ own composition — the result of numberless experiments. It has for basis fossil amber. It is very elastic and transparent, and it does not soften, chip, or crack. It is made in one colour, orange red, which is quite permanent.
The wood is of the orthodox kind and very good in quality. The tone is powerful and penetrating.
Mr. Collins has repaired a great number of instruments, hence the slow production of new ones. He has obtained two certificates of merit and three prize medals. He makes only violins, and his price is fifteen guineas. Facsimile label : —
WILLIAM HENRY COLLINS. LONDON
