James Tubbs

[2] Born in London in 1835, the eldest of eleven children and son of William, James Tubbs worked for his father until 1860.

In 1885 he won a Gold medal for his bows at the Inventions Exhibition held that year in London, after which he was made bowmaker by Special Appointment to Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh.

In the widely cited book Universal Dictionary of Violin & Bow Makers, William Henley calls Tubbs "this champion" and places him alongside Tourte, Peccatte and Voirin.

[clarification needed] String players generally regard his bows as extremely desirable, and will often go to great lengths to obtain one and collectors may pay huge amounts to own one.

[citation needed] "Leading musicians of the day such as Piatti and Wilhelmj, were attracted by bows made by James Tubbs and were using them.

James Tubbs at his workbench in the shop at 94 Wardour Street, London. The photo taken in 1917 in his last years.