Fine, handsome, and rare baroque cello by John Barrett, London 1736
Violin maker
(c. 1680 – 1743)
One of the first generation of violin makers to settle in Piccadilly, becoming the most prestigious group of makers in London in a period lasting from roughly the 1720s to the 1760s, both in terms of their refinement of style and their location in the heart of the wealthy and growing West-End. Barrett may have been active in the late 1600s, for ‘A Double Bass with a Case for it made by Mr Barrett 16.’ is recorded in the inventory of instruments belonging to Handel’s patron, the Duke of Chandos in 1720. In 1713 he appeared in insurance records ‘next the Standard in Piccadilly’ and the earliest label in a violin by him gives his address as the ‘Harp and Crown on the north side of Coventry Street'. Some measure of his success as a violin maker and businessman is witnessed in his property purchases of three houses in Crown Court off Pall Mall in 1728 for £360. His workshop and its contents were insured for £400 in 1741.
No concrete evidence has been found for his activity in earlier life, and no indication of whom he trained with. No instruments have survived with labels prior to 1720 and from this point, he was amongst the very first English makers to adopt a model heavily influenced by Stainer, but weakened by an over-attention to delicacy. His scrolls are very precisely cut following a Cremonese outline, differentiating his work from close contemporaries including Nathaniel Cross who is often difficult to tell apart. Another feature of Barrett’s work is the use of small locating pins inside the purfling. These are distinctly different from Cremonese pins but seem to be functional rather than decorative. Both Peter Wamsley and Thomas Smith used the same technique, establishing a lineage beginning with Barrett. His instruments are covered with a transparent chippy varnish also used by Nathaniel Cross, and sometimes by a deep brown varnish. After 1730 he adopted a deeper reddish varnish and a slightly heavier style with more rounded soundholes. Genuine labels are sometimes found in cheaper work with inked purfling, which was probably sold but not made by him. Fine labelled examples are rare owing in part to their superficial resemblance to Roman and Florentine work. (Tarisio)
The back in two matching pieces of maple of light medium curl running horizontally across the back from the centre joint. The ribs of similar curl although somewhat more pronounced. The front in two matching pieces of spruce of medium grain. The varnish of a warm orange-amber brown colour on an amber ground.
Labelled
Made by ** Barrett at y Harp x Crown in
Coventry Street near Pickadilly London 1736
Length of back 737 mm
Width upper bout 344 mm
Width middle bout 249 mm
Width lower bout 420 mm
DELIVERY
We deliver to customers based in the UK and WORLDWIDE. After your order has been dispatched, you'll be notified via email with your shipping information and tracking number. We're happy to partner with reliable shipping companies like UPS and Parcelforce to guarantee the secure delivery of your purchase.
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES
If the product you received doesn't meet your expectations, you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. The returned item must be in its original packaging, and the cost of return shipping will be borne by you, unless the product is faulty. Please remember to include your contact information with the return and, if possible, a tracking number. The returns should be sent to the following address:
Bridgewood and Neitzert
146 Stoke Newington Church Street
London
N16 0JU
RETURNS
At times, returning items may be necessary, and we've streamlined the process for your convenience. We're happy to exchange or refund any items that are faulty or unsuitable for your needs. To qualify for a refund or exchange, items must be in perfect condition and returned to us within 14 days of receipt. Additionally, they must be returned in their original sealed packaging with any labels or seals still attached and intact. Your statutory rights remain unaffected, and our Refund Policy provides additional information.
HOW TO RETURN
UK RETURNS
Here are the steps on how to return an item:
Once your return has been received, we will process it within 14 days. You will then be refunded the full amount of your purchase, minus the cost of the return shipping if applicable.
UK RETURNS
If you need to make an exchange for your order in the UK, no worries! We've got you covered. We'll take care of the postage for the first replacement item, so you don't have to pay twice. To ensure a smooth process, kindly print and fill out our Returns Form and send it back with your return.
INTERNATIONAL RETURNS
For international returns, including those from the European Union and other parts of the world, it is important to use a duty-paid service when shipping back items. Any returns sent via a duty unpaid option will not be accepted. It is recommended to pack the items securely, removing the delivery label but using the original packaging if possible. Please note that we do not cover the costs for returns, so it is your responsibility to use a suitable international tracked service.
STANDARD RETURNS
To return your item(s), securely wrap them in a jiffy bag or box without damaging the product packaging. Then, send the package to the following address:
Bridgewood and Neitzert
146 Stoke Newington Church Street
London
N16 0JU
Include your returns form or invoice and indicate whether you'd like an exchange or refund so we can process your return efficiently. Please note that you'll be responsible for paying the postage costs, and we recommend obtaining sufficient postal insurance to protect your item if it gets lost during transit.
If you have any questions about returning your item(s), please send an email to enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london
REFUNDS
We will process your refund through the payment method you originally used. Our team strives to complete all refunds within 24 hours, but kindly allow 10 working days during peak periods for the refund to appear in your account. You will receive an email from us once the refund has been processed.
If there is a fault with the item, we may refund reasonable postage costs. Please email us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london for assistance.
Please note that our Refund Policy applies, which includes receiving and inspecting the goods before issuing any refunds. Additionally, proof of postage will be required.
Our company's policy regarding refunds is subject to certain terms and conditions. Refunds will only be issued after we have received and inspected the returned goods. We require proof of postage for our records. For further details, please refer to our Refund Policy below.
REFUND POLICY
Our return policy allows you to request a return within 14 days of receiving your item.
To qualify for a return, the item must be unused, in its original packaging with tags intact, and accompanied by the receipt or proof of purchase.
If you want to initiate a return, please contact us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london
You will receive a return shipping label and instructions on how and where to send the package if your return is accepted. Items returned without prior approval may not be accepted.
If you have any questions regarding the return process, please don't hesitate to contact us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london
Damages and issues
When you receive your order, it is important to check for any damages or issues. In case you receive a defective or damaged item, or even the wrong product, please get in touch with us without delay. This will help us investigate the matter and take corrective action to make things right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
We regret to inform you that there are some items that we cannot accept returns for. These include perishable goods, custom-made products, and personal items. If you have any doubts or queries regarding your specific purchase, do not hesitate to contact us.
Additionally, kindly note that we do not entertain returns for sale items or gift cards.
Exchanges
The most efficient method to obtain the desired item is by returning the current item and purchasing the new one separately once the return has been approved.
Refunds
Once we receive and examine your returned item, we will inform you about the approval or rejection of your refund request. If approved, the refund will be issued to your original payment method, but the shipping cost will be deducted. Please note that the refund processing time may vary depending on your bank or credit card company.
