Violin Bow by John Dodd, London, c.1820
58.3 grams
£8,000
Known as the 'English Tourte' for his leading role in the development of the modern bow in Britain, John Dodd was initially employed as a fine metalworker. Dodd probably took up bow making in the 1770s–80s. Dodd supplied some bows to the Betts, Forster and Banks workshops, which bear their brands, though his other bows, like this example, are stamped 'Dodd'.
The evolution of Dodd's model is indicative of the great changes bow making underwent during the second half of the 18th century. His earlier work features the rounded heads, narrower ivory frogs and straighter sticks of classical bows. Over the course of his career Dodd helped to establish the definitive characteristics of the modern English bow.
Dodd, along with James Tubbs, is considered the most important maker in the history of the English tradition.