London School
John Norris
London, 1739–1818
John Norris (1739-1818) was a London-based luthier and dealer, a pupil of Thomas Smith. He partnered with Robert Barnes from 1765 to 1794 in Great Windmill Street, later moving his business to 35 Coventry Street. While instruments bore his label, it is widely believed that Norris and Barnes primarily retailed instruments made by other London craftsmen, including the Dodds. His shop was later continued by Richard & William Davis, and labels indicate a possible office in Bath.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cello Bow | Ivory 68 g. 1770 c. no hair, no lapping | June 2011 | £1,920 |
| Violin Bow | Swan head, open ebony frog, (restorable) | October 2004 | £350 |
| Cello | 1771 | July 2003 | £4,560 |
| Violin Bow | I/I 51 g. | July 2000 | £900 |
| Violin | 1790 | August 1997 | £1,150 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58 g. | November 1994 | £690 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 51 g. | April 1991 | £1,870 |
| Violin | 1770 | March 1991 | £605 |
| Cello Bow | Ivry 81 g. Open frog | April 1983 | £715 |
Maker Overview
Life
John Norris (1739-1818) was born in London and died on March 10, 1818. He was a pupil of Thomas Smith, the successor of Peter Wamsley, and his work w as being similar to that of Thomas Smith. In 1765, Norris entered into a business partnership with Robert Barnes, who was also a pupil of Thomas Smith. Their partnership, which operated from Great Windmill Street, lasted until 1794. Upon the dissolution of this association, John Norris moved his business to 35 Coventry Street, where his shop was later continued by Richard & William Davis. Labels declaring 'at Bath' between approximately 1805 and 1818 suggest that Norris may have opened an office in Bath, while simultaneously maintaining his London shop throughout this period. It is widely assumed by historians such as John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff that neither Norris nor Barnes personally crafted most, if any, of the instruments bearing their labels; these were predominantly the work of various other London craftsmen. Notably, the Dodds were significant contributors, with a bow branded 'Norris & Barnes' believed to be the earliest identifiable work of John Dodd.
Characteristics
- Business Model
- Instruments produced under the Norris & Barnes label were primarily the work of various London craftsmen, rather than being made by John Norris or Robert Barnes themselves.
- Attributed Makers
- The Dodds were significant among the craftsmen who supplied instruments, with a bow bearing the brand 'Norris & Barnes' considered the earliest identifiable work of John Dodd.
- Branding
- Instruments were sometimes branded on the upper back.
- Labels
- Examples of labels include 'Made by Norris and Barnes / Violin, violoncello, and bow makers / to their Majesties / Coventry Street. London', 'Made by John Norris / Coventry Street, 1812', and 'Made by John Norris / at Bath, 1808'.
- Made by Norris and Barnes
Violin, violoncello, and bow makers
to their Majesties
Coventry Street. London Made bv John Norris
Coventry Street, 1812John Dilworth - Made by John Norris
at Bath, 1808John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: John Norris was a pupil of Thomas Smith, who was the successor of Peter Wamsley.
- Associates: His business partner, Robert Barnes, was also a pupil of Thomas Smith.
- Stylistic Similarities: George Hart observed that Norris's work was similar to that of Thomas Smith.
- Succession: After John Norris moved to 35 Coventry Street, his shop was subsequently continued by Richard & William Davis.
- Royal Appointment: Labels indicate that Norris & Barnes held the title of 'Violin, violoncello, and bow makers to their Majesties'.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
NORRIS, John Born 1739, died 1818 London UK. Pupil of Thomas Smith. Business partner of Robert Barnes (also a pupil of Smith) in Great Windmill Street 1765-1794. On the dissolution of their business association Norris moved to 35 Coventry Street, and his shop there was continued by Richard & William Davis. Labels declaring ‘at Bath’ c.1805-1818 probably indicate that Norris opened an office there but maintained his London shop throughout the period. It is assumed that neither Norris nor Barnes made most or even any of the instruments they labelled, these being the work of various London craftsmen. Most significant amongst these were probably the Dodds – a bow bearing the brand ‘Norris & Barnes’ is thought to be the earliest identifiable work of John Dodd. Sometimes branded on upper back. Made by Norris and Barnes / Violin, violoncello, and bow makers / to their Majesties / Coventry Street. London Made bv John Norris / Coventry Street, 1812 Made by John Norris / at Bath, 1808 [BVMA]
George Hart+
Articled to Thomas the successor of Peter Wamsley. Similar work to that of Thomas Smith. He became a partner of Robert Barnes.
William Meredith Morris+
A pupil of Thomas Smith, and for some time (1765-80) partner with Barnes.
Cecie Stainer+
b. 1739, London; d. March 10, 1818. A maker in London. Was a pupil of Thomas Smith, and did very similar work. Went into partnership with Robert Barnes in 1765.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Schüler von Thomas Smith. Er verband sich ursprünglich mit Rob. Barnes
und betrieb mit diesem einen ziemlich ausgedehnten Geigenhandel; über seine
eigene Geschicklichkeit lässt sich nicht viel sagen, da fast alle mit der Firma Norris & Barnes versehenen Instrumente von anderen Geigenmachern, die in ihrem Auftrag arbeiteten, gemacht sind.
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Working in London at the same time
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Arthur (I) Betts worked 1763–1765
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Benjamin (II) Banks 1758–1820
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