Violin Bow by William Tubbs, London, circa 1840
This violin bow has now sold.
About William Tubbs
William Tubbs was the son of the celebrated early English bow maker, Thomas Tubbs. He was born in London in 1814 and worked for the Dodd workshop, inheriting the shop´s supplies after the death of Edward Dodd III in 1851. William then established himself independently, making bows with at least five of his sons.
The work of William Tubbs was pivotal to the development of the modern English bow: he reintroduced a more classical head after some of the more experimental designs of his father. Despite his output being exceptionally fine in quality, William did not enjoy particular financial success, perhaps exacerbated by having 11 children to feed! William Tubbs died in 1878: his son James was the most successful member of the next generation of this exceptional family of bowmakers.
About the bow
This is an extremely interesting bow, landing somewhere between the low, elongated heads of the early French and English bows and the taller design of the modern bow.
The mounts are of silver and ebony and the bow weighs 59 grams. The stick is made of exceptionally high-quality pernambuco and measures 720 mm in length.
How does it play?
This bow is a real gem! It grips the string extremely well, drawing out a huge sound with lots of refinement.
Condition
The bow is in excellent condition. It is branded W. Tubbs to the handle on the player´s side.