Christopher Wise
b. 1632
Christopher Wise (1632-after 1679) was a London-based instrument maker, active from 1650, primarily known for his viols and a few violins. He operated from Vine Court and Half Moon Alley in Bishopsgate. His instruments are characterized by a small pattern, good outlines, and quality yellow or yellow-brown varnish, with careful workmanship. Wise is notably mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diaries, and there is speculation he may have later emigrated to Barbados.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1663 | April 1991 | £1,870 |
Maker Overview
Life
Christopher Wise (1632-after 1679) was an instrument maker established in Vine Court, Bishopsgate, London, UK, from 1650, according to The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth. He moved nearby to Half Moon Alley in 1656, returning to Vine Court in 1661. During his time, he worked closely with G. Miller. The Half Moon Alley address appears to have been taken over by Richard Meares after 1669. Wise is mentioned in the diaries of Samuel Pepys in 1663, the same year Pepys ordered a viol from him. There is a possibility that Wise emigrated to Barbados, as a reference exists to a Christopher Wise established there with 19 acres of land in 1679.
Characteristics
- Primary Focus
- in British Violin Makers, Christopher Wise was chiefly a maker of viols and produced few violins.
- General Characteristics
- Instruments known are often of a small pattern in A Dictionary of Violin Makers as "not much arched", while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes "mittlere Wölbung" (medium arching). George Hart in The Violin and Henri Poidras in Critical & Documentary Dictionary Of Violin Makers Old & Modern describe them as having a flat model and small pattern. They feature good outline lines and yellow varnish of good quality, sometimes described as yellow-brown, with careful or neat workmanship.
- Known Instruments
- Specific instruments include a bass viol dated 1658; a violin dated 1665 decorated with a crown and the letters 'CR', presumably for 'Charles Rex', as recorded in the Hill Archive; and a six-string viol with a fluted bow found in the inventory of Prince Ferdinand of Tuscany. A violin dated 1661 is noted for its unusual form, featuring very small corners and long symmetrical soundholes, with delicate work resembling violins attributed to Tielke of Hamburg.
- Christopher Wise in Half-Moon Alley
without Bishops-Gate, London, 1656John Dilworth - Christopher Wise in vine
court without Bishops
gate, London. Jan 29th, 1658John Dilworth - Christopher Wise in vine
court without Bishops
gate, London, 1661John Dilworth
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
WISE, Christopher Born 1632, d. after 1679 Bishopsgate, London UK. Established in Vine Court, Bishopsgate from 1650, moving nearby to Half Moon Alley 1656. Returned to Vine Court 1661, working closely with G. Miller. The Half Moon Alley address seems to have been taken over by Richard Meares after 1669. Wise may have emigrated to Barbados, since reference is found to a Christopher Wise established there with 19 acres of land in 1679. Wise is mentioned in the diaries of Samuel Pepys (1663), in which year Pepys ordered a viol from Wise. Several known or surviving instruments: a bass viol dated 1658; violin dated 1665 decorated with a crown and the letters ‘CR’, presumably for ‘Charles Rex’, recorded in the Hill Archive; a six string viol with fluted bow is found in the inventory of Prince Ferdinand of Tuscany; and a violin dated 1661 of unusual form, with very small corners and long symmetrical soundholes; very delicate work resembling violins attributed to Tielke of Hamburg. Christopher Wise in Half-Moon Alley / without Bishops-Gate, London, 1656 Christopher Wise in vine / court without Bishops / gate, London. Jan 29th, 1658 Christopher Wise in vine / court without Bishops / gate, London, 1661
Cecie Stainer+
A maker of viols and violins in London about 1650. The few instruments known are of small pattern, not much arched, with yellow varnish of good quality, and are carefully worked. Label: ” Christopher Wise, in Half-Moon Alley, without Bishops-Gate, London, 1656.”
William Meredith Morris+
He was chiefly a maker of viols, and made but few violins.
George Hart+
Yellow varnish, neat workmanship, flat model, small pattern.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Die wenigen Violinen und Violen, die man von ihm kennt, sind gut gemacht, haben kleines Patron, gute Umrisslinien, mittlere Wölbung und gelbbraunen Lack.
Henri Poidras+
London area. 1650. Small, flat pattern. Yellow-brown varnish.
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