John Young flute

West corner of St Paul's Church Yard Corner of London House Yard

John young ( & Son, John Young Junior)

John Young Snr. 1660-1732 , Young was a musical instrument maker, and publisher and a man of note in the business of selling musical instruments, and music books. His shop was at the Dolphin and Crown, at the West end of St. Pauls Churchyard and at the corner of London house yard, and this was much frequented by the choir-men of St. Pauls. Edward Ward in his "London Spy" periodical about London life says that there was "perpetual fiddling in it to draw in customers, and that the door used to be crowded with hearers." John Young is noticed in the New Grove. ( A biographical dictionary of actors, actressess, and musicians.. etc. in London 1660-1800 Vol. 16 by William H Highfil )This mister was the father of a musical family, and of mister Talbot Young, a fine performer on the violin.... (A general history of the science and practice of music, in five volumes, Vol. 4

John Young Junior 1718-1767. Brother of musician Talbot Young 1699-1758. Son of instrument maker and publisher John Young 1660-1732, who kept a shop at the sign of the Dolphin and Crown at the West end of St Pauls Churchyard at the corner of London House Yard.

Records in the Royal Society of musicians show that John Young Junior was born on 1st March 1718. According to documents of the Lord Chamberlain's department in the Public Records Office, John Young joined His Majesty's Band of Music under the direction of Dr. Maurice Greene, in place of Henry Rose, at some time before the 6th April 1749. He was still a member of the musical establishment under Dr. William Boyce, in a list of musicians earning £40 per annum in 1759. Mortimer's London Directory 1763 called him "Organist and Violin, and one of His Majesty's Band, living in Red-Lion Street Clarkenwell" He also served as music master at Christ's Hospital, and was organist at Christ Church Newgate Street and St Matthew Friday St.

"Mr.John Young, organist of Christ Church Newgate St" died on the 30th April 1767, reported in London Magazine for May. Sarah Young, widow and relict of John Young, "Musician in Ordinary to the King", was granted administration of his "effects" not inventoried, on 2 July 1767.

(from "A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers and other Stage Personnel in London 1660-1800 vol 16. By Phillip H. Highfill, Jr., Kalman A Burnim and Edward A. Langhans. Southern Illinois University Press Copyright 1993)

The Irish Connection.

What is most unique, and curious about this example, is there is a Harp and Crown featured with the makers mark. This strongly suggests one of two things. Either it had a military connection, possible made for a bandsman, or musician serving in Ireland or in an Irish Regiment.... or it was made for sale to the Irish market, for example the vibrant music scene in Dublin. In this period, One of the glories of German music, Handel's oratorio “Messiah” was first performed in Dublin at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street at noon on April 13th 1742.

The New Music Hall Dublin

The 'Messiah'

Why it was that a German, who had made London his home, should choose to give the first performance of his enduring masterpiece in Dublin?

Laden with debt and sick of the harping of the news sheets, Handel accepted an invitation from the lord lieutenant, Lord Devonshire, and packed in his luggage the score of a piece of music he had written in ten weeks over the preceding summer. Handel adored Dublin. He liked the generosity of spirit, the easy openness of the people, and probably the intimacy—remember that the second city of the empire was only then beginning to spread beyond its med-ieval origins. He also loved Ireland’s traditional music, spending much time with a music publisher on Cork Street, a Mr Hill.

Therefore, one cannot say with certainty, but is is conceivable, that this flute may have been bought in London, branded,and brought to Dublin for this hallowed event. Or perhaps made for the burgeoning Irish market after this eminent triumphant occasion!

A little more about YOUNG, and value of pieces previously sold:

John YOUNG (AMATI AUCTIONS)

By: John Dilworth

YOUNG, John Worked circa. 1690-1730 London UK. Worked the sign of ‘the Dolphin and Crown’ in St. Paul's Churchyard. A general music merchant, his label is found in instruments suggestive of Daniel Parker and other London makers. Sold by John Young / Musical Instrument Seller at ye / Dolphin and Crown at ye West end / of St Pauls Church London.

( From; Tarisio fine instruments and bows)

John Young Price History

The auction record for this maker is $3,565 in Mar 2008, for a violin.

Highest Sales

Small Violin (2 sold) : $1,003, Tarisio Mar 1 2014

Violin (3 sold) : $3,565, Tarisio Mar 13 2008

Cello (1 sold) : $1,463, Bonhams Dec 16 2002

Viola (1 sold) : $3,360, Bonhams Jun 10 2002