Cello bow by Thomas Tubbs, London, circa 1825
About Thomas Tubbs
Thomas Tubbs was the founder of the Tubbs bow making dynasty. Born in London in 1790, Thomas was most likely trained by the Dodd family for whom he produced bows. He established his own workshop around 1830, experimenting with his own developments as well as the latest designs to come from France.
The Tubbs family gradually overshadowed the Dodd makers, due in large part to the sheer quality and diversity of Thomas Tubbs´ output, followed by the impact of his son William´s move towards the modern bow style. In the next generation again, the phenomenal output of Thomas´s grandson James established the family forever at the forefront of British bowmaking.
About the bow
This is a fantastic example of an early English cello bow. It shows all of the characteristics we would hope to find in a great Thomas Tubbs bow, perhaps most notably the incredibly distinctive and powerful head.
The bow weighs 86 grams. The octagonal stick is made of wonderfully dense ironwood and measures 696 mm in length. The mounts are contemporary replacements made in the style by the extremely talented Richard Wilson.
How does it play?
Whilst these bows might look rather unusual, I´m convinced that they are the answer to an awful lot of questions! Perhaps unsurprisingly given the weight, they engage with the string as though magnets are involved, drawing out an enormous sound. Whilst not being too flexible, the flexibility of the stick allows for great nuance and changes of colour.
Condition
The bow is in very good condition with unoriginal mounts. It is unstamped, indicating that it was one of the many bows Tubbs made for the London shops. The replacement mounts are copied from the Tubbs cello bow stamped Corsby which we also have for sale.
Further information
Please get in touch for more details about this fine English cello bow by Thomas Tubbs for sale and a member of our team will get back to you.