William Prior

John Dilworth

PRIOR William Born 1690 Gateshead, died 1759 Newcastle, County Durham UK. Established at ‘the sign of the Musical Instrument Maker in the Side, Newcastle-upon-Tyne’ from 1723. Early labels are spelled ‘Pryor’, but in all records and labels after c.1720 the name is given as ‘Prior’. Recorded as the Assay Master in the city. Also a wood turner and maker of false teeth. His shop and contents were put up for sale in 1756. Several violins and one contralto-sized viola extant. Made in typical early English manner with ‘through-neck’, lacking a separate top block, and with bass bar carved integrally with the front. Very fine workmanship. Medium arching, very well regulated. Excellent edgework with prominent corners and precise purfling mitres. Finely cut and elegant soundholes; long and sloping. Head rather compact, but neat concentric volutes and small eye. Varnish of very fine quality and consistency, golden orange in colour. Made, Sold, or Mended by / William Pryor, in Gateside / 1710 Made and sold by / William Pryor, in Gateside / 1712 [BVMA]