Barnes & Mullins Barnes
(c. 1905 – c. 1930)
Albert Mullins and S. Bowley Barnes established “The Jo” in 1894, initially as banjo specialists and manufacturers based in Bournemouth, but rapidly diversified to all kinds of musical instruments as importers and wholesalers. In 1914, on the homeward leg of a two-year sales trip, Albert Mullens was drowned when the Empress of Ireland sank in the St Lawrence River. Shortly afterwards the business moved to Rathbone Place off Oxford Street in London. Violins bearing their label from around 1900 through the 1930s tend to be cheaply made. However they acted as important agents nationally and internationally for numerous makers around London including Emmanuel and Edwin Whitmarsh, as well as importing instruments from France and Germany. The company still exists as a major wholesaler of accessories.
Price History
- The auction record for this maker is $552 in Apr 1993, for a violin.
- 2 auction price results.
View all auction prices for Barnes & Mullins Barnes
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