INFO EXTRA

on Dublin Music Trade

"Published this day, by J. WILLIS and Co., Royal Musical Repository, 65, St. James's-street (opposite Jermyn-street), London, and 7, Westmoreland-street, Dublin, where may be found every variety of grand, cabinet, cottage, square, and circular Piano Fortes ; likewise Harps, with all the late improve5its, by the most eminent makers, at the lowest manufacturers. [...]" The Harmonicon, 09/1826, p. 63

"MUSIC.- WILLIS and CO., Royal Musical Repository and Circulating Library, 55, St. James Street, (opposite Jermyn Street), London, and 7, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, respectfully inform the Nobility and Gentry that their Rooms are always supplied with a splendid variety of Grand Cabinet, Self-playing, Cottage, Square, and Circular Piano-Fortes, by the most eminent Makers, at the lowest Manufacturers' Prices; also Harps, Guitars, and every other Musical Instrument. [...]" The London Literary Gazette and Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, Etc., 19/06/1830, p. 406

'Organ Builder and Piano-forte-maker', harpsichord maker, musical instrument-maker (guitars) and organist (?) ca. 1773-1832

Succeded by his sons, Thomas & Abraham WOFFINGTON ca. 1820

"Those who knew Sir John Stevenson in his years of boyhood say, that he was the son of a professor of music, who was settled in Dublin about the middle of the last century. At that time the Irish metropolis was celebrated for its musical amusements; and, in the public orchestras, Mr. Stevenson is said to have performed one of the subordinate violin parts; but dying of a fever, which at the same time carried off his wife, he left two sons quite unprovided for. Fortunately for his subsequent success in the world, John Andrew, the eldest, was kindly protected by Mr. Gibson, then of the firm of Gibson and Woffington, of Grafton-street, musical instrument-makers, who, perhaps, discerning some indications of musical talent in the boy, interested himself in his fortunes, and ultimately succeeded in getting him received as a pupil in the choir school of Christ Church Cathedral, in the year 1771, he being, at that time, about ten years of age. His younger brother was placed on board a vessel in the foreign trade, but was supposed to have perished at sea shortly after." The Irish Monthly Magazine of Politics and Literature ..., 1833, p. 377