London School
Henry John Furber
London, 1809–1891
Henry John Furber (1809-1891) was a London-based violin maker, son and pupil of John Furber, who worked for John Betts and specialized in copies of Stradivari and Amati instruments. He was known for producing violas, cellos, and double basses, though opinions on his workmanship varied among contemporaries, with some praising his skill and others finding his quality inconsistent, particularly after 1867 due to alcoholism.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1900 c. | November 2002 | £1,527 |
| Viola | 41.8 cm 1880 | July 1992 | £1,540 |
| Cello | 1886 | June 1990 | £5,060 |
| Violin | 1886 | September 1986 | £1,430 |
Maker Overview
Life
Henry John Furber (1809-1891) was born in London, UK, and was the son and pupil of John Furber. He worked for John Betts, making a speciality of copies of the 1704 'Betts' Stradivari violin. He established himself in Grafton Street from 1825, later moving to 50 Britannia Row, Islington, from 1846 to 1864, and then to 79 Dean Street in 1885. Henry John Furber died at 158 Euston Road, aged 82, in 1891. According to the Hill Archive, his tools and part-finished instruments were auctioned at Puttick & Simpsons in 1892. His best work was done for Betts, and was considered worthy of comparison with some of the efforts of the Fendt family, but after the Betts shop closed in 1867, Furber's quality declined rapidly due to alcoholism.
Characteristics
- Specialization
- He made a speciality of copies of the 1704 'Betts' Stradivari violin.
- Models
- He produced copies of Stradivari and Amati instruments.
- Varnish
- His varnish varied in shades and textures according to the model, ranging from dark red-brown to paler golden-amber.
- Instruments
- He made many useful contralto violas, cellos, and double basses.
- Labels
- Examples of his labels include "H. Furber / Violin, Violoncello and Double Bass Maker / 1876" and "H. Furber / London, 1886", as noted by the BVMA.
- Workmanship
- Sources contain conflicting information about the quality of his workmanship; William Meredith Morris stated that he could not "admire either the tone or the workmanship very much" and suggested he may have only seen "third-rate work", while George Hart, Cecie Stainer, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff praised his work, with Hart noting he "maintained the character for good workmanship".
- H. Furber
Violin, Violoncello and Double Bass Maker
1876John Dilworth - H. Furber
London, 1886John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of John Furber.
- Employment: He worked for John Betts.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
FURBER, Henry John Born 1809, died 1891 London UK. Son and pupil of John Furber, below. Worked for John Betts, making a speciality of copies of the 1704 ‘Betts’ Stradivari violin. Established in Grafton Street from 1825, 50 Britannia Row, Islington 1846-1864, 79 Dean Street 1885. Died at 158 Euston Road, aged 82. Tools and part-finished instruments auctioned at Puttick & Simpsons 1892, according to Hill Archive. Best work done for Betts, and worthy of comparison with some of the efforts of the Fendt family, but after the shop closed in 1867 Furber declined rapidly due to alcoholism. Copies of Stradivari and Amati; varnish of different shades and textures according to model, from dark red-brown to paler golden-amber. Many useful contralto violas, cellos, and double basses. H. Furber / Violin, Violoncello and Double Bass Maker / 1876 H. Furber / London, 1886 [BVMA]
George Hart+
Son of John Furber, now living in Grafton Street. He has made several excellent instruments, and maintained the character for good workmanship which has been associated with the name of Furber for upwards of a century.
William Meredith Morris+
Pupil of his father, John Furber. He has made many instruments, several of which I have seen and tried. I cannot say that I admire either the tone or the workmanship very much. His work has been much praised in some quarters, and Hart says that he has made some excellent instruments. Some modern makers are much addicted to what may be termed ” class work ” ; i.e., they turn out instruments of various qualities, which they arrange according to merit into class A, B, C, &c. I think this is much to be deprecated. Every artist ought always to be at his best, and, so far as his material will allow, should turn out work of uniform excellence. Perhaps it has been my fortune to see only the third-rate work of this Furber.
Cecie Stainer+
Son and pupil of John Furber. He continued the business in Grafton Street, London, and has made many good instruments.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn und Schüler von John F., dessen Geschäft in der Grafton Street von ihm fortgesetzt wurde. Seine Arbeit ist lobenswerth.
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Working in London at the same time
A. Pretts worked 1851
Albert E. Warrick worked 1889–1915
Albert Henry Price worked 1850–1890
Alfred James Burling worked 1891–1924
And Co. Andre worked 1885
Andrew (Alexander) Hume 1864–1941
Arthur (III) Betts 1803–1869
Arthur Jermy b. 1867