London School
William Gilkes
London, b. c.1811
William Gilkes (circa. 1811-1875) was a London-based luthier, the son and pupil of the esteemed Samuel Gilkes. He succeeded his father's business and operated from various addresses, including Dartmouth Street, Wandsworth, and Lambeth. Gilkes produced a variety of instruments, notably fine double basses, and was known for copying classical models like those of Maggini and Brescian makers. While his work, which included a range of varnishes and specific branding, did not achieve the same distinction as his father's, he was a prolific maker who also varnished and sold instruments supplied by Richard Tobin.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1846 | June 2002 | £1,165 |
| Violin | 18-- | June 1996 | £1,610 |
| Violin | November 1992 | £935 | |
| Violin | March 1989 | £825 |
Maker Overview
Life
William Gilkes (circa. 1811-1875) was born circa 1811 in Grey Coat Street Tothill Fields, Westminster, and died in 1875 in London, UK. He was the son and pupil of Samuel Gilkes, succeeding to his father's business in James Street. William Gilkes later removed his workshop to Dartmouth Streetütgendorff. John Dilworth further details his establishment at 14 Dartmouth Street from 1835, followed by moves to Wandsworth in 1857, 14 Charlwood Street, Vauxhall in 1860, Dartmouth Street again in 1866, and finally to 3 Upper Marsh Street, Lambeth. He is said to have varnished and sold instruments supplied by Richard Tobin. Cecie Stainer notes that he ceased to make instruments for some time before his death.
Characteristics
- Instrument Production
- William Gilkes made many instruments, including violins and a great number of double basses, which are considered very fineütgendorff.
- Models Copied
- He copied various classical models, including some double-purfled Brescian instruments, and was among the best modern imitators of Maggini, also understanding well how to imitate the varnishütgendorff.
- Varnish
- His instruments featured several grades of varnish, ranging from thin golden-amber to dark, highly textured red-brown.
- Workmanship
- Generally, his work lacks the distinction of his father's best efforts, and his instruments are described as being of ordinary workmanship and tone by William Meredith Morris. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also notes that he was less significant than his father overall.
- Branding and Labels
- Instruments made by William Gilkes were branded below the button. He used printed labels such as 'Gilkes Westminster London' and 'William Gilkes / Wandsworth, London / 1857'.
- Gilkes Westminster London William Gilkes / Wandsworth, London / 1857John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: William Gilkes was the son and pupil of Samuel Gilkes.
- Business Succession: He succeeded to his father's business in James Street.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
GILKES, William Born circa. 1811, d. after 1871 London UK. Son and pupil of Samuel Gilkes, above. Established at 14 Dartmouth Street from 1835. Later moved to various addresses: Wandsworth 1857, 14 Charlwood Street, Vauxhall 1860, Dartmouth Street 1866, and finally at 3 Upper Marsh Street, Lambeth. Said to have varnished and sold instruments supplied by Richard Tobin. Copied various classical models, including some double-purfled Brescian instruments. Double basses very fine, but generally his work lacks the distinction of his father’s best efforts. Several grades of varnish from thin golden-amber to dark highly textured red-brown. Branded below button. Printed labels: Gilkes Westminster London William Gilkes / Wandsworth, London / 1857
George Hart+
Son of Samuel Gilkes. Has made a great number of instruments of various patterns, chiefly Double- Basses.
William Meredith Morris+
He was a pupil of his father, and succeeded to his business in James Street, which he later removed to Dartmouth Street. He made many double-basses and other instruments, which are of ordinary workmanship and tone.
Cecie Stainer+
Son of Samuel Gilkes, b. about 1811, in Grey Coat Street Tothill Fields, Westminster; d. 1875, London. Taught by his father and succeeded to his business in James Street, but afterwards moved to Dartmouth Street. He made a great many instruments, of various patterns, principally double-basses, but did not gain the same reputation as his father. He ceased to make instruments for some time before his death.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn und Schüler von Samuel G., dessen Nachfolger er wurde. Er verlegte
die Werkstatt später in die Dartmouth Street und machte viele Geigen
nach verschiedenen Modellen. Er gehört zu den besten neueren Nachahmern
Maggini’s und verstand es auch gut, den Lack zu imitiren. Im Ganzen ist er
aber weniger bedeutend als sein Vater. Am Besten gelangen ihm Contrabässe.
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