[2] He is regarded as one of Ireland's most influential violin makers and is often referred to as 'The Irish Stradivari'.

Perry followed in the footsteps of his father, and began working as a luthier in his shop in Dublin.

His will indicates that he left his finished and unfinished instruments to his son-in-law, William Wilkinson, along with his working implements and his stock-in-trade.

[6] As well as making first-class violins, Perry also made violas, cellos and at least one double-bass, some of which are in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland.

His pupils included violin makers John Delany, John Mackintosh, William Ringwood, and William Wilkinson (1771-1838), who married Perry's eldest daughter Elizabeth in June 1794 and carried on the business after Perry's death until 1839.