Second son of LOTT,JOHN FREDERICK (1). Born in London, 1805. Taught by father and became efficient with the management of tools before his 15th year Apprenticed to Davis in Coventry Street. Studied the violin and played in theatre orchestras. Had a roaming and restless disposition. Accepted an engagement with a travelling circus, his duties consisting of looking after the elephants during the day and playing in the band at performances. Went to America, ultimately became manager of the circus and as quickly relinquished the position, henceforth never to resume it.Met a chemist in the United States from whom he learnt a few “secrets” in varnish and varnishing. Returned to England and seriously began his career as a violin maker. Established at 60 Wardour Street, London, and soon attained a splendid reputation. Became acquainted with the violin connoisseur and enthusiast Charles Reade, who subsequently in his fine novel Jack of all Trades, made Lott the hero and portrayed his restless genius in many real and fancied adventures. Vuillaume occasionally employed him for certain delicate bits of restoration, also acted as interpreter for the famous Frenchman when visiting this country. Many amateurs flocked to his shop and spent agreeable hours in his company, and never came away without adding a little to their knowledge. Ever ready to help the young and struggling, his criticism and judgment ever their command, and several subsequently well established makers spoke with the utmost gratitude of the counsel and direction they had received from him. Died 1871. He had an ingenious spirit actuated by a generous emulation in the pursuit of cunning reproductions of the Guarnerius model (with its attendant “wear” and usage) to such a degree that his instruments have frequently been mistaken for genuine Cremonas. This facsimile artistry was his special line and no Englishman has ever surpassed him. Connoisseurs often compared him favourably with Vuillatime and could not prescribe any boundary to his wonderful proficiency. Gave every attention to the quality of woods, exactly chose the same grain and figure as that of the prototype he imitated. Achieved remarkable results in tonal quality. Bergonzi-like instruments (very scarce) equally as fine in their extraordinary similarity to that maker’s traits. Tonal quality invigorating and healthy. Also produced fine Stradivarius replicas, superior in tone and workmanship to those of many well-known French copyists including Pique. His powers of imitative varnishing in thickness, colour and shading were truly marvellous. His assiduity of application in the matter of fusing amber is well known and for this purpose he invented special machinery. The importance of putting oil on the wood previous to any colour seems to have been his regular practice, for he never applied anything but amber varnish for the first coat. Some instruments have a brittle and chippy varnish but generally it is a composition of splendid texture, elastic, brilliant and rich in colour. Shades vary from brown, dark orange to a deep red. It is reported that he varnished a violin and ’cello with “dragon’s blood”, a gum, rather a tedious undertaking to find sufficient perfectly clear pieces. Produced a few wonderfully toned violas, modelled on Guarnerius style, with a particularly rich red varnish. Also a few ’cellos known. Edward Withers (Wardour Street) possessed a very beautiful quartet of Lott, violin, viola, ’cello and double bass (the only example he made). Finally, his Guarnerius replicas are gems of art, such as are very rarely seen and no player should permit such a treasure to pass out of his hands. Regrettable that Lott seldom labelled his instruments. £250, 1960.
------------
J. F. Lott
London
------------
Second son of LOTT,JOHN FREDERICK (1). Born in London, 1805. Taught by father and became efficient with the management of tools before his 15th year Apprenticed to Davis in Coventry Street. Studied the violin and played in theatre orchestras. Had a roaming and restless disposition. Accepted an engagement with a travelling circus, his duties consisting of looking after the elephants during the day and playing in the band at performances. Went to Americ...
Lott,John Frederick(2)
