Jacob Rayman

Jacob Rayman was a violin-maker, thought to be the first in England.

Life
It is thought that Jacob Rayman was born in Faulenbach in Füssen (a town in present-day Bavaria known today for its violin-making), and came to London in 1620. The earliest violin label bearing his name was dated 1630, the address Bell Yard, Southwark; the earliest surviving instrument is dated 1641, and has the address Blackman Street, Long Southwark. He apparently remained in Southwark until at least 1658. Unlike other stringed instrument makers in London at the time, he did not make viols.

Nothing is known of him after 1658. His son Jacob, baptized in 1642, is thought to have been working as a violin-maker in 1691.

His violins
An important source of information about Rayman's work is the catalogue of the sale of the collection of Thomas Britton, who died in 1714; four lots each described as "an extraordinary Rayman" were in the sale, as well as instruments of leading London makers of the day. His instruments appeared in saleroom catalogues in the 19th century, but more recently few have been identified. In general, Rayman's violins are elongated, having centre bouts straighter than usual, and longer f-holes.

The Strad, iii. 77, commented: "His instruments, albeit rough, have plenty of character, well-cut scrolls, and superb varnish".