Benjamin Banks (1727 – 1795)[1] was an English violin-maker.[2]
Life edit
Banks was originally apprenticed to his uncle William Hutoft. Banks seems to have occupied Hutoft's premises on Catherine Street in Salisbury upon Hutoft's demise in 1747 until Banks' own in 1795.[3] From 1757 until the late 1760s, Banks was primarily interested in the keyboard instrument construction. He had a close association with Longman and Broderip in London, who seemed to have been an outlet for his violins (these examples are stamped with the Longman name). The instruments were based on the Amati and Stainer form, the cellos being particularly sought after. Such instruments were often branded 'Banks' - externally and on the inner linings.[4]
Banks's business was carried on after his death by his two sons, James and Henry, who subsequently moved to Liverpool.
Notes edit
- ^ "Banks, Benjamin". Integrated Authority File. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
- ^ "English Violins | Benjamin Banks of Salisbury". Skinnerinc.com. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ "English Violins of the Eighteenth Century: Benjamin Banks of Salisbury". Skinnerinc.com. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
- ^ Dilworth, John (2012). The Brompton's Book of Violin and Bow Makers. Usk Publishing. ISBN 9780957349902.
References edit
- Stephen, Leslie, ed. (1885). . Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 3. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
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