London School
Henry Rawlins
London, worked 1770–1780
Henry Rawlins was a London-based violin maker and repairer active circa 1770-1780, known for producing violins, violas, and cellos in the style of Forster. His instruments featured deep edges, narrow purflings, and high pinched arching. He was notably patronised by the violinist Felice Giardini, and his labels often included the phrase 'Auspicio Giardini'. Rawlins may also have been the teacher of J. Morris of Bath.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viola | 38.2 cm London, 1784 | March 2008 | £1,875 |
| Viola | 38.4 cm 1779 | March 1989 | £1,694 |
| Violin | 1782 | September 1986 | £682 |
Maker Overview
Life
Henry RAWLINS (circa. 1770-1780) worked in London, UK., he produced violins, violas, and cellos. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes him as a mediocre violin maker and repairer. George Hart notes that he appears to have been patronised by Giardini, the violinist, a sentiment, who states Giardini was the leader of the orchestra at the Italian Opera at that time. His signature has been found internally, such as 'Henry Rawlins, French / Gardens Marylebone, / 1777' and 'H. Rawlins, Marylebone, / 1778'. He was also found to have signed a cello labelled by John Dickeson. Cecie Stainer mentions he was working in London in 1779.
Characteristics
- Instrument Types
- Henry Rawlins produced violins, violas, and cellos.
- Style
- His instruments were made in the style of Forster.
- Construction Details
- Instruments featured deep edges and narrow purflings, with variable varnish. They exhibited high pinched arching and soundholes set low with a sharply turned lower wing.
- Labels
- Printed labels generally contained the phrase 'Auspicio Giardini', which, may indicate that the violinist Felice Giardini was a patron. Specific labels include 'Henricus Rawlins fecit / Auspicio Giardini / Londini, 1779' and 'Restauratus Henricus Rawlins, / Londini. 1779'. Cecie Stainer also notes a label 'Henricus Rawlins, Londini, 1779' found in a viola, and another 'Restauratus Henricus Rawlins auspicio Giardini Londini, 1781'.
- Signed internally: ‘Henry Rawlins, French
Gardens Marylebone,
1777’, ‘H. Rawlins, Marylebone,
1778’. Printed labels: Henricus Rawlins fecit
Auspicio Giardini
Londini, 1779John Dilworth - Restauratus Henricus Rawlins,
Londini. 1779John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Henry Rawlins was possibly the teacher of J. Morris of Bath.
- Patronage: He appears to have been patronised by the celebrated London resident violinist Felice Giardini, who was the leader of the Italian Opera at the time, and Cecie Stainer.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
RAWLINS, Henry Worked circa. 1770-1780 London UK. Violins, violas, and cellos in the style of Forster. Deep edges and narrow purflings. Variable varnish. High pinched arching. Soundholes set low with sharply turned lower wing. Possibly the teacher of J. Morris of Bath. His signature has also been found in a cello labelled by John Dickeson. Printed labels generally contain the phrase ‘Auspicio Giardini’ which may indicate that the violinist Felice Giardini, at that time a celebrated London resident, was a patron. Signed internally: ‘Henry Rawlins, French / Gardens Marylebone, / 1777’, ‘H. Rawlins, Marylebone, / 1778’. Printed labels: Henricus Rawlins fecit / Auspicio Giardini / Londini, 1779 Restauratus Henricus Rawlins, / Londini. 1779
Cecie Stainer+
Was working in London in 1779. Label found in a viola : ” Henricus Rawlins, Londini, 1779.” Another label: ” Restauratus Henricus Rawlins auspicio Giardini Londini, 1781.” (Giardini was at that time leader of the orchestra at the Italian Opera.)
George Hart+
He appears to have been patronised by Giardini, the Violinist, according to the label here given. Giardini held the post of leader at the Italian Opera at this period.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Ein mittelmässiger Violinenmacher und Reparateur, den jedoch Giardini, der Capellmeister der italienischen Oper in London, begünstigt zu haben scheint.
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Working in London at the same time
Alexander Kennedy worked 1730–1785
Baines worked 1780
Barton worked 1768–1779
Benjamin (II) Banks 1758–1820
Benjamin Hill 1754–1793
Crowther Brooks worked 1780
David Furber 1720–1787