Edward (I) Withers

WITHERS, Edward (I) Born 1808, died 1875 London UK. Cellist and son of a confectioner. Bought the shop of R. & W. Davis in Coventry Street in 1846 and from 1848 devoted himself fully to developing the business. In his first year he bought and sold the Stradivari 1698 ‘Cholmondley’ cello. Assisted in the workshop by C. Maucotel and C. Theress, both previously employed by Davis. C. Boullangier replaced Maucotel in 1849. Both John Lott (I) and John Lott (II) also worked for Davis and continued as outworkers for Withers. Withers claimed to have been taught violin making by the younger Lott, but it is not clear how much practical experience he had. Succeeded by his sons Edward (II) and George Thomas Henry, below. Very fine Cremonese models. A fine quartet made on Guarneri del Gesù pattern of exquisite workmanship and great distinction with finely textured red-brown varnish. Edward Withers London

He succeeded to William Davis’s business at 31, Coventry Street, London, in Dec, 1846. Both Charles Maucotel and Boullangier worked under him at one time.

He was born in London, Dec. 23, 1808, and died there Dec. 19, 1875. He was the son of Edward and Mary Ann Withers. He was not trained in the usual way, but he bought the business of R. & W. Davis, 31 Coventry Street, Haymarket, in the year 1843, and thus started what proved to be a bright career in violin-making He followed the Strad and Guarnerius models exclusively, and made a large number of instruments, some of which, in point of workmanship and tone, will compare favourably with the best work of our classical school. He is the maker of the famous Withers’ Quartet — said to be the finest English quartet of instruments in existence, made previous to the year 1870. These instruments, from their importance, demand a brief notice. They were made between fifty and sixty years ago at the old premises, 31 Coventry Street. Somewhere near the period mentioned, the roof of the shop underwent repairs, and the builder’s workmen had occasion to lay down a plank along the attic floor to walk upon. It chanced at the completion of the repairs that the workmen forgot to remove this same plank, and one day old Mr. Withers finding his way into the attic, discovered it. He saw that it was maple, and as perfect a specimen of its kind as eyes could ever gaze upon. The story is soon told. The plank was transformed into [backs of] a quartet — now the English quartet, par excellence. The instruments are beautifully coated in amber varnish. One of the fiddles has been sold and re-sold twice, realising each time £50. Its purchaser on one occasion was Mr. L. d’Egville, who presented it to Wilhelmj. The companion violin was sold at first for £30, but it realised later £120. The tenor was sold for £40, and the violoncello for £150. The present owner of the quartet is Mr. Edward Withers, of 22 Wardour Street, a son, and the representative of the firm. He says that the treasure shall never leave the family, but will be handed down the stages of time as a valued heirloom. Edward Withers had eight children — four sons and four daughters — two of whom are in the trade, and one of them, Mr. Edward Withers, noticed below, is an actual maker. He died at the age of sixty-seven, and was buried in Brompton Cemetery.

Ein tüchtiger Geigenmacher, der William Davis’ Nachfolger wurde und Coventry Street No. 31 wohnte.

London 1808-1875. Good class maker who succeeded W. Davis. His instruments are made after the Stradivarius model and coated with a tender varnish. He was established at N° 31, Coventry St.